New York Yankees News: Dustin Ackley Progressing Well in Minors

While the New York Yankees had a relatively quiet trade deadline, we can’t forget about the acquisition of utility man Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners. Yes, he only played in two games (none of which he started) before being placed on the DL with a right lumbar strain, but he seems to be progressing well down in the minors during his rehab assignment.

On Friday night Ackley played in his second minor league rehab game, going two-for-four with the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He’s a combined three-for-eight with a double and an RBI since resuming baseball activities.

In a perfect world, Ackley is called back up to the Yankees in September wen rosters expand to 40 men, but you just never know what Brian Cashman’s plan is.

Ackley can essentially play anywhere, but his main utility positions are second base, right field and first base. At second, the Yankees seem keen on giving Rob Refsnyder a shot, in right, Carlos Beltran continues to swing a hot bat, but when lefties are on the mound, Chris Young is the go-to guy. Over at first base Mr. Gregory Bird is starting to make a name for himself while Mark Teixeira continues to nurse his lower body injury, so where exactly does Dustin Ackley fit?

Before the Yankees acquired Ackley he was slashing .215/.270/.366 with six home runs and just 19 RBI. It might be the dimensions of Safeco Field, but the former second-overall pick has really fallen off a bit since debuting in 2o11.

As Stephen Drew continues to bat under .200 and with Refsnyders defense still questionable, the former North Carolina Tar Heel’s return might just turn out to be a blessing for the New York Yankees. In my opinion the Yankees will use Ackley in a platoon alongside Drew and Refnsyder, but I guess time will tell.

Dustin Ackely and the RailRiders will be back in action today up in Buffalo, NY at 7:05 pm.

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