Now that the non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, the Yankees are on a different path than we are accustomed to. Guys like Luis Severino, Chad Green and Ben Gamel (briefly) and Gary Sanchez have all been called up to fill the voided roster spots as the youth movement seems to really begin.
One name that has come up as of late has been the Yankees 2012 Minor League Player of the Year, Tyler Austin. Austin, a 13th round draft pick in 2010, has been red hot as of late. He has played primarily first base but can also play third and the outfield and his versatility could be very valuable to the Yankees if he continues to play a high level.
After having a terrific season in 2012, a year in which he was promoted from rookie ball all the way to Double-A, Austin regressed from 2013-2015 and was demoted in 2015 from Triple-A Scranton down to Double-A Trenton and eventually designated for assignment at the end of the season, before being resigned.
Going from top prospect status to losing his job was tough for Austin, but it wasn’t the first tough battle he has had to fight. Shortly before the 2010 Amateur Draft, the 17 year-old high school senior was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Austin underwent surgery and just a week later competed in a high school showcase helping him get drafted that June.
After the high-highs and low-lows he has experienced over the past six years, Austin has found a home in Scranton and has made the most of this opportunity. After 50 games in Double-A Trenton this season where he slashed .260/.367/.762 with four home runs and 29 RBI, Austin was called up to Scranton where he has been on a tear. Through just 51 games in Triple-A, Austin has slashed a staggering .320/.421/1.067 with 13 long balls and 46 RBI!
After the high-highs and low-lows he has experienced over the past six years, Austin has found a home in Scranton and has made the most of this opportunity. After 50 games in Double-A Trenton this season where he slashed .260/.367/.762 with four home runs and 29 RBI, Austin was called up to Scranton where he has been on a tear. Through just 51 games in Triple-A, Austin has slashed a staggering .320/.421/1.067 with 13 long balls and 46 RBI!
If now is not the time to call him up, I’m not sure when is!
The Yankees still have some road blocks this season in Mark Teixeira, although retirement is coming (Read TEIXEIRA & REACTION TO HIS ANNOUNCEMENT). Alex Rodriguez is also in the way, but the bench appears to be his friend these days. The brass is going to have to make some tough personnel decisions over the next eight weeks and into the offseason. Tex and ARod are not part of the Yankees future, this is clear. That’s obvious with their lack of performance and their age.
Since they made the decision to have their fire sale, perhaps the Yanks find a way to get Tyler Austin, Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier and Ben Gamel on the roster for the rest of the season.
Since they made the decision to have their fire sale, perhaps the Yanks find a way to get Tyler Austin, Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier and Ben Gamel on the roster for the rest of the season.
And who the hell knows, maybe these guys will help the Yankees win and push for a wild card berth like they’ve helped the 70-43 Railriders! And if not in 2016, how about in 2017? How fun would it be for the youngsters to get in the mix? Regardless of if they make it to October or not this season, the experience could be extremely beneficial to the boys.
For now, Tyler Austin has to be the next name called with Aaron Judge right behind him. They deserve their shot in front of the Bombers coaching staff for the rest of the season.
Tyler Austin definitely deserves ‘The Call’.
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