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The New York Yankees faced a disappointing end to their series against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon, squandering a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. This loss prevented the Yankees from sweeping the Orioles right before the All-Star break, highlighting some critical needs as the trade deadline approaches.
Yankees’ Roster Shuffle: Jorbit Vivas Optioned to Triple-A
In a surprising move following the game, the Yankees optioned infield prospect Jorbit Vivas back to Triple-A Scranton. Vivas was called up earlier in the series to provide additional infield support. Despite indications from manager Aaron Boone that Vivas might see playtime during the weekend, he remained benched throughout the series and was demoted on Sunday.
Vivas has been performing strongly in Triple-A, boasting a .258/.404/.424 batting line this season, with five home runs, 19 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. His 18.3% strikeout rate and 17.2% walk rate demonstrate his readiness and disciplined approach at the plate, making the decision to keep him on the bench even more puzzling.
Continued Reliance on DJ LeMahieu Raises Questions
While manager Aaron Boone did not use DJ LeMahieu at his regular third base position in the final game against Baltimore, LeMahieu has still been receiving significant playing time. This ongoing preference for LeMahieu, despite his struggling performance, has been a point of contention among fans and analysts alike.
It would have been an opportune moment to allow Vivas to showcase his skills, especially with the Yankees in need of more support and the trade deadline looming. However, it appears the Yankees are not yet convinced of Vivas’s ability to contribute positively to their World Series aspirations this season.
Looking Ahead: Anticipated Moves by General Manager Brian Cashman
With the trade deadline approaching at the end of July, General Manager Brian Cashman is expected to be proactive. The focus will likely be on reinforcing the infield with a quality bat and potentially adding another pitcher to bolster the roster for a playoff push.
