NEW YORK – Summoned for a second opportunity in the Major Leagues, Spencer Jones carried his bats, gloves and a few words of encouragement from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre teammate Oswaldo Cabrera.
“Cabby gave me a good quote on my way up here: ‘New York doesn’t need any heroes. They just need you,’” Jones said on Friday as the Yankees prepared to open a three-game series with the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.
Jones was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the corresponding move when Aaron Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list with a stress fracture of the first right rib, retroactive to Tuesday.
Ranked as the club's No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, Jones earned his first callup on May 8 before he was optioned two weeks later. Jones was called up at that time when Jasson Domínguez sustained a low-grade left AC joint sprain.
In 10 games, the 25-year-old Jones posted a slash line of .167/.259/.167 with two RBIs. In Triple-A, Jones has 13 homers and 48 RBIs over 43 games this season.
“I think what I learned the most is the intensity and the focus that it takes to play up here,” Jones said. “It’s something that you hear so much about, but until you’re actually in there and experiencing it – I think experience is the best teacher.”
The Yankees used José Caballero and Max Schuemann in right field during their series against the Guardians this week, awaiting a diagnosis on Judge. Now Jones is in the mix, too.
“I think him coming up earlier in the year was valuable to get his feet wet and get his first experience in Major League Baseball,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s obviously having a really strong season down in Triple-A, so he’s certainly earned this opportunity again.”
More reinforcements are on the way. Domínguez began a Minor League rehab assignment on Friday, serving as the designated hitter for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Domínguez will play the outfield on Sunday and is expected to continue his rehab assignment beyond that.
“He would definitely need more than this weekend, for me,” Cashman said. “I would think he’s going to need more than just that, for the period he’s missed.”
Cashman acknowledged he has discussed the idea of using Domínguez in right field. But at the moment, the Yankees seem more inclined to continue using Domínguez in left and center field.
That suggests Cody Bellinger could see reps in right field at some point while the Yankees wait for Judge – as well as Giancarlo Stanton, who could return within two to three weeks, according to Cashman.
“It’s always a great option if it’s possible, but first things first, let’s try to get him back,” Cashman said.