Andújar's OF experience a work in progress

NEW YORK -- Miguel Andujar’s willingness to embrace the challenge of playing the outfield has impressed the Yankees’ coaching staff, but they also recognize that it continues to be a work in progress.

Andújar encountered a learning moment in the Yankees’ 6-3 victory over the Red Sox on Monday evening, as he turned the wrong way while attempting to catch Alex Verdugo’s sixth-inning drive to left field. The ball bounced for a run-scoring ground-rule double.

“It was probably the toughest play I've encountered out there in left field, especially from a left-handed batter,” Andújar said through a translator. “But you learn from it and you make the adjustments necessary for the next play.”

After the play, Andújar huddled with outfield coach Reggie Willits on the Yankees’ bench. According to Andújar, Willits said that the slicing liner from the left-handed Verdugo would have been difficult even for a veteran left fielder, an assessment that manager Aaron Boone echoed.

“It was a very difficult play,” Boone said. “Verdugo hit the ball well, that slicing line drive right over a left fielder’s head. That's a tough play for experienced guys. Miggy got turned around the wrong way and didn't quite recover well enough.”

The Yankees continue to believe that Andújar will be able to find at-bats in the outfield corners, as well as at third base. He was in Tuesday’s lineup as the designated hitter.

Andújar, 25, produced one hit in his first 14 at-bats before being optioned to the Yankees’ Moosic, Pa., alternate training site on Aug. 6. Andújar said that he was surprised by the demotion but aimed to keep a positive attitude during his time there.

“It has been tough finding that consistency,” Andújar said. “You understand that you still have a responsibility to work hard, prepare yourself as best as possible and understand that the opportunity will be there.”

New look, same Luke

Luke Voit was “pretty fired up” to learn that he would serve as the leadoff hitter in Tuesday’s series opener against the Rays, according to Boone, who said that he first approached Voit with the possibility when the club was dealing with numerous injuries last season.

“The Rays are very good at matching up and creating some really good lanes for some of their heavy split on one side [relievers],” Boone said. “I’m trying to eliminate long righty or long lefty lanes, just trying to create a little bit of balance.”

Voit homered twice in Monday’s victory and entered play on Tuesday riding a seven-game hitting streak.

Green lighted

Fernando Tatis Jr. had Major League clubhouses buzzing on Tuesday about the game’s so-called “unwritten rules” after the young Padres star hit a grand slam on a 3-0 pitch in a lopsided victory over the Rangers on Monday night.

Count Gerrit Cole among the chorus of voices who saw no issue with Tatis Jr.’s big swing.

• In defense of Tatis' 3-0 slam

“It's pretty simple for me,” Cole said. “It's pretty hard to hit a grand slam. Whatever count you want to try to hit one, then go for it.”

Boone said that he considers the debate about not trying to score as many runs as possible to be “outdated,” noting the increased importance and usage of bullpens in the modern game. By scoring more runs, a team may be able to avoid using higher-leverage relievers, thus making them available in a closer game the next day.

“Just a few nights ago, we were having a debate about whether we should still try and steal a base if we're up five or six [runs],” Boone said. “I do believe there's a sportsmanship etiquette in certain situations that you want to avoid disrespecting [opponents]. … But I do think a lot of it is outdated and really silly.”

Bombers bits

• The Yankees announced that they signed infielder Jordy Mercer to a Minor League contract, adding him to their 60-man roster on Aug. 14 and assigning him to their alternate training site. Mercer, 33, was designated for assignment by the Tigers and elected free agency on Aug. 6.

• Right-hander Nick Nelson was recalled from the alternate training site prior to Tuesday’s game. He replaces right-hander Ben Heller, who was optioned after Monday’s game. Boone said that the Yankees wanted a pitcher with multi-inning capability after right-hander Michael King pitched three innings on Monday.

• Catcher Wynston Sawyer has been transferred to the Yankees’ 60-man roster. He is assigned to the alternate site.

This date in Yankees history

Aug. 18, 1983: The "Pine Tar" game from July 24 resumes from the point after George Brett’s home run. Yankees manager Billy Martin plays Ron Guidry in center field and places the left-handed Don Mattingly at second base as the Royals win, 5-4.

Up next

Cole (4-0, 2.76 ERA) aims to extend his career-long winning streak to 21 games as the Yankees take on the Rays on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET, live on MLB.TV. Cole’s next victory would give him sole possession of the third-longest such streak in history. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow (0-1, 7.04 ERA) is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay.