Adams' roster spot in jeopardy with Pettitte returning
NEW YORK -- There have been ups and downs through David Adams' first two weeks at the big league level, but manager Joe Girardi believes the infielder has done a nice job contributing after receiving his first chance in the Majors.
"I think he's done a pretty good job for us," Girardi said. "Third base is not his natural position, and he's played a pretty good third base. He's had some good days with the bat for us. He had a little struggle, but he came out of it [Saturday] night, which I think is always good to see. I've talked about what he's faced, and it's been mostly division rivals. He's handled himself pretty well."
Adams, 26, could be on the bubble for his roster spot now that Kevin Youkilis has been activated from the disabled list. The Yankees need to make a roster move on Monday to activate left-hander Andy Pettitte for his start against the Indians, and Adams is a possible choice to be demoted to the Minors to clear space.
If the Yankees decide to keep Adams, who offers a right-handed bat and the versatility to play third, second and first, outfielder Brennan Boesch could be optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre or the club could designate first baseman Lyle Overbay for assignment.
"I can't think about it, honestly," Adams said. "It's not up to me. At the end of the day, this is a business and whoever they decide to put out on the field is their prerogative. I can't control it. What I can control is how hard I work and the mindset that I have. That's all I can control."
Adams snapped an 0-for-14 stretch with a fourth-inning single in the Yankees' 11-1 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday, and he entered play on Sunday batting .259 with two homers and five RBIs in his first 16 big league games.
"I think everything is a work in progress, honestly," Adams said. "I'm not going to lie. By no means am I a plus, plus, plus at anything -- hitting, throwing, defense, whatever. I know there's room to improve in every category of my game and I understand that."