ARLINGTON -- The Yankees designated outfielder Randal Grichuk for assignment on Wednesday, a somewhat surprising pivot as they created roster space for No. 3 prospect Elmer Rodríguez to make his Major League debut.
Grichuk, 34, had been a target of the Yankees' front office dating back several years. He signed late in Spring Training and won an Opening Day roster spot as a bench outfielder, with his playing time envisioned mostly against left-handed pitching.
In 16 games, Grichuk batted .194 (6-for-31) with four doubles and two RBIs, but he was beginning to see results after starting his Yankees career hitless through his first 15 at-bats.
“It was a difficult decision, just because I feel like Randal came in here and fit in really well,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Despite numbers-wise a slow start, I feel like he’s shown us the at-bats we wanted to see from him when he got his opportunities against left-handed pitching.”
The move offers more potential playing time to Jasson Domínguez, especially with designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton having been placed on the injured list Tuesday with a right calf strain.
Domínguez has struggled at the Major League level against left-handed pitching, but he saw results this year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he was 7-for-18 (.389) with three doubles and a homer facing southpaws.
“I just feel like we have a little bit more flexibility,” Boone said. “With Giancarlo down right now, it gives some runway for Jasson, especially against right-handed pitching.”
It also keeps infielder Max Schuemann -- who was recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday -- on the roster as the Yankees await Anthony Volpe’s return from a Minor League rehab assignment, potentially as soon as Friday.
Volpe, who did not appear in Spring Training games while recovering from left shoulder surgery performed in October, is scheduled to play again for Double-A Somerset on Wednesday.