Yankees option hard-hitting rookie after win over Twins

The New York Yankees snapped their seven-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night, but the team followed the win by making a roster move. New York optioned outfielder Spencer Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, ending his second run in the majors this season.

The 25-year-old appeared in 30 MLB games in his rookie campaign and finished with a .233 batting average, .317 on-base percentage, .370 slugging percentage, two home runs, and seven RBIs. He last played on Wednesday in a 6-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers, going 1-for-2 with a single in the eighth inning.

Jones made his major league debut on May 8 before being sent to Triple-A on May 22 after a 10-game stretch in which he went 4-for-24 without a home run. He returned to the Yankees on June 5 after Aaron Judge suffered a rib injury and showed improvement during his second opportunity. Over 20 games following the recall, he batted .265 (13-for-49) with a .345 on-base percentage, .469 slugging percentage, two home runs, and five RBIs.

Despite the improved production, Jones struck out 34 times in 82 plate appearances in the majors, an area he will continue to work on after returning to the minors. His latest demotion also came with Trent Grisham rejoining New York from a hamstring injury, reducing the need for another outfielder on the active roster.

Jones has continued to produce at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. Across 43 games, the 2022 first-round pick owns a .269/.378/.571 slash line with 13 home runs, 48 RBIs, a .949 OPS, and nine stolen bases. He is expected to receive regular playing time with the RailRiders while remaining a potential call-up if the Yankees need additional outfield depth later in the season.