BALTIMORE -- Brandon Drury was likely "devastated" by the Yankees' decision to option him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre between games of Monday's doubleheader, according to Aaron Boone, who said it was "another one of those awful decisions" a manager has to make.
Drury's demotion cleared a roster spot for right-hander Luis Cessa, who was promoted from Triple-A to start the nightcap of the twin bill after New York lost the opener, 5-4, to the Orioles at Camden Yards. Drury went 0-for-4 in Game 1 and is batting .178 (8-for-45) in the big leagues this season.
"It's terrible news to have to give a guy that I would [say] is a big leaguer and doesn't belong there," Boone said. "It's unfortunately the situation right now. All we can do is encourage him to make the absolute best out of the situation. He's done a good job of that all year, of remaining focused. Hopefully, he gets another opportunity with us."
Boone said that the Yankees landed upon Drury after considering what would give them the most roster flexibility for this coming week, and indicated that the team will return to a three-man bench when it activates right-hander Masahiro Tanaka from the disabled list on Tuesday.
"We feel like [Aaron Hicks] is good and we feel like [Clint Frazier] covers us in the outfield," Boone said. "[Tyler Wade] gives us flexibility, especially when we get back to the three-man bench when we bring Tanaka back tomorrow. Wade is a backup shortstop, too."