The Yankees have recalled Andrew Velazquez and put him right into the starting lineup at shortstop. In a corresponding roster move, right-hander Albert Abreu was optioned to Triple-A, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Velazquez’s return to the lineup provided the Yankees with some infield insurance over these final two games while DJ LeMahieu deals with a sports hernia. LeMahieu had a cortisone injection, but the hernia will require further treatment in the offseason, per The Athletic’s Lindsey Adler.
The Yankees have had to cover at shortstop since finally moving Gleyber Torres off the position. Gio Urshela has taken the bulk of the snaps at short, but Velazquez can share the burden. The 27-year-old former Ray has a .234/.246/.375 triple slash line over 65 plate appearances.
Abreu has a 5.15 ERA/5.89 FIP in 28 appearances out of the pen covering 36 2/3 innings. The overall run-prevention numbers aren’t great, but the 26-year-old has contributed as a multi-inning arm capable of eating innings. Abreu 2/3 innings Friday in his first appearance in almost two weeks.
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