Miguel Andujar has reportedly asked for a trade from the Yankees after being sent down again, and his former teammate understands his frustration.
Gary Sanchez knows what it’s like to be dealt from the Yankees, though he was a consistent major league player since being called up in 2016, and says he understands why Andujar would want a change of scenery.
“If I was in his shoes, I'd probably be thinking about the same thing, asking for a trade, for a different scenario," Sanchez told The Star Tribune's Megan Ryan. “It's really difficult when you're ready, and when you have shown that you're ready at this level, to be sent down to Triple-A and play Triple-A when you deserve to be in the big leagues.”
Andujar has already been sent down three times this season despite posting a higher WAR than fellow outfielders Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks in less playing time, and had finally been showing signs of promise at the plate after years of struggling following a season-ending injury in 2019. Andujar has also made himself into a serviceable outfielder, but with the Yanks needing Aaron Judge to get less time in center field and preserve their superstar, there is a current need for Hicks in center field and Andujar is the odd man out.
Many wonder if Andujar has played his last game in pinstripes, and Sanchez believes that would be for the best.
"My opinion, it's time for them or any other team to give him an opportunity,” Sanchez said. “He deserves to play in the big leagues. He's done a good job, offensively, but also defensively. He's come a long way defensively, and he's shown that he's capable of staying in the big leagues. Maybe he deserves an opportunity on another team.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
Listen live to WFAN:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker (just say ‘Play W-F-A-N’)