Breaking Down NRI: Yangervis Solarte

Mar 9, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman

(63) singles during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. (Photo Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Our Yanks Go Yard series about non-roster invitees continues with a player that has one of the coolest names of the bunch. Yangervis Solarte was signed to a minor-league contract by the Yankees back on January 12^th. Solarte is a 26-year old middle infielder from Venezuela that doesn’t come with much power.

In 38 games this winter over in Venezuela, Solarte only had six extra-base hits in 132 at-bats. That being said, he was still able to hit .303 and have an on-base percentage of .348. He has spent the last two seasons in Triple-A Round Rock, which is an affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Last season, Solarte hit .276/.323/.403 with 12 home runs and 75 RBI’s.

Although Solarte is low on the totem pole in terms of his bat, he does come with a lot of position flexibility. In his two seasons at Triple-A, he played 20+ games at second base, third base, shortstop, and left field. His primary position is second base, where he played 88 games and had a .980 fielding percentage.

He will have opportunities considering the Yankees will be looking at plenty of second base/utility infielder options. However, considering he will already be behind Brian Roberts, Eduardo Nunez, Dean Anna, and Scott Sizemore, Solarte will likely start out in the minor leagues. 

Be sure to follow @YanksGoYardFS on Twitter along with our Yanks Go Yard Facebook page!