Tyler Austin Making Strong Case for a Promotion to the Bronx

Finally recovered from the lingering wrist injuries that plagued him since 2013, Tyler Austin has regained the power stroke that made him a former Baseball America Top-100 Prospect.

Austin began 2016 back with the Trenton Thunder because of the glut of outfielders in the upper-minors of the Yankee system. The 24-year-old had seen his stock plummet the previous year, batting .235/.309/.311 in 299 PA with Triple-A Scranton before an August demotion. He finished the season strong in Trenton, but was still designated for assignment to clear space on the 40 man roster at the beginning of September.

Building on a strong performance in the Arizona Fall League, Austin had a 121 wRC+through his first 50 Double-A games this season, earning a promotion back to Scranton on June 4. The former top prospect has not wasted this opportunity to put himself back in the big league discussion, going 8-22 with two homers, three doubles, eight RBI, and two steals in his first six games.

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With four Yankees first basemen on the DL and incumbent Rob Refsnyder hitting .185/.233/.333 through his first 30 PA, there is certainly room for Austin to force himself onto the big league roster if he keeps hitting. His ability to play the outfield corners and even third base in a pinch makes him an excellent fit for a New York team starved for positional flexibility.

Ranked in Baseball America’s Top-20 Yankees Prospects every season from 2011-2014, Austin isn’t all that far removed from his blue chip status. A wrist injury that kept him out much of the 2013 season and lingered into 2014 sapped much of his former power. This season, Austin says his wrist feels fully healthy for the first time in years, and that is showing up in his production. After six turbulent years in the Yankee system, Austin may finally be ready for his shot in the Bronx.