Kelly Johnson Is Becoming Valuable

Apr 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Kelly Johnson (33) singles to center during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

It hasn’t been easy for manager Joe Girardi to fill his infield every game, but at least he has some guys on the roster that can give him flexibility. One of those players happens to be Kelly Johnson.

Girardi thought he had it all lined up. Yangervis Solarte was swinging a hot bat, and they signed Brian Roberts to fill the missing hole of Robinson Cano. With Solarte slumping and Roberts’ not being able to move like he used to, Johnson has now become an important piece to the Yankees’ infield.

Johnson has quietly been a productive player in the last few games. In his last four starts at third base, he has gone 5-for-11, with two doubles, two runs, and three walks. He is going to have his fair share of striking out, but those numbers show that he deserves to be starting, especially with Solarte slumping.

Although Johnson is a backup player, Girardi should really take into consideration playing him more often. The only thing holding him back is that he couldn’t hit from both sides of the plate. With the offense not being consistent, it looks like the Yankees could use all the hitting they can get.