The Yankees placed Tim Locastro on the 10-day injured list on Sunday thanks to the torn right ACL he suffered Saturday…but instead of calling up top prospect Estevan Florial to shore up their depleted outfield, the team added Ryan LaMarre, who was up earlier in the year and played one game before suffering a leg injury of his own.
That’s not necessarily a knock on Florial’s performance, however, as manager Aaron Boone noted prior to Sunday’s game that development, in this case, may take priority over a short-term fix.
“It’s also what gives us the best chance in the short term as well,” Boone said. “His development is important, and I think the guys that have been called up so far have been in line and earned that spot.”
Due to having six players on the COVID IL, the Yankees were able to add a slew of replacements without having to add them to the 40-man roster, or worry about waivers when they send them back to Triple-A.
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LaMarre, Greg Allen, and Trey Amburgey are all part of that group of reinforcements, as is Hoy Jun Park, who got some run in right field on Friday night after playing just 40 innings in the outfield in his pro career.
“It was good to see him go out there seamlessly and handle a couple of chances,” Boone said. “Second place is where he plays the best, but you get into the midst of a game, and you make a move, and you at least feel like outfield is in his toolbox, albeit not with a ton of experience out there.”
Now would seem like the time to see how well Florial could do with everyday reps in the Majors – he has played just two games as a doubleheader addition, going 1-for-3 in both – but to Boone and the Yankees, getting “Flo” comfortable in Triple-A takes precedent.
“Flo had a couple homers the other day, which was good so see, and he’s doing well,” Boone said. “The biggest thing for him is that he’s healthy and getting those reps. He’s had some ups and downs, but he’s been able to play regularly, and hopefully he’s in store for a big second half.”
Added Greg Allen, who was called up this weekend after spending a lot of time with Florial at the Alternate Site and Triple-A: "I’m excited for him for sure. I think he’s a very exciting player with tons if upside, who will continue to get better. His skill-set is very impressive, and he just needs to continue to build off that."
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