New York Yankees Editorial: Can Cole Figueroa Stick With The Yankees?

The Yankees sent down Jose Pirela and called up Cole Figueroa as the infield carousel continues to roll. Brendan Ryan is on a rehab assignment in AAA and Gregorio Petit is still on the bench (though for how long remains to be seen). There’s also the fact that Stephen Drew still starts games for the Yankees.

Figueroa got called up because he was tearing the cover off the ball in AAA.

That is what you call producing with the bat.

Yes, he’s 28 years old and only played in the majors for a bit with the Rays last year and didn’t set the world on fire by any stretch.

The guy can play all over the infield. He’s a left-handed bat which plays on the Yankees, especially in the Bronx. He only hit three homers this season, but he also had 17 doubles in AAA. He also doesn’t have issues facing lefties. He hit .308 in 78 at-bats against them.

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From June 28-July 7 he had multiple hits in each game. That’s 11 straight games. Stephen Drew has had multiple hits in 11 games THE ENTIRE SEASON.

Do I expect Figueroa to play much? No. Joe Girardi loves him some Drew and trusts him more than anyone at the position. That’s why Pirela barely played and Figueroa, for however long he stays, will probably get the same treatment.

However, if he plays well, he may at least be able to help the Yankee bench moving forward.

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