Previewing the Yankees Potential September Call-Ups

With a number of top prospects succeeding in the upper-minors, the New York Yankees have many options to consider this September when rosters expand.

In two weeks, the New York Yankees active roster will expand from 25 spots to 40, giving the rebuilding club a lot more flexibility as to the young players they can try out at the big league level.

With the team committed to giving their homegrown guys significant roles on the club now and in the future, September promotions will take on an added importance this year.

Usually New York adds a few bullpen arms, a pinch runner, and a third catcher. Now, the Yankees could be auditioning prospects for everyday roles in 2017.

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According to the team’s official site as of Sunday, 39 of their 40 roster spots are already filled. With many prospects needing to be protected from the Rule 5 draft this winter, roster space will be at a premium over the next few months. Guys already on the roster probably have a significant leg up on the competition.

That said, there are more than a few non-essential pieces on the 40-man the Yankees could clear out to make room for more promising players. Some players who stand out as potential DFA’s include catcher Austin Romine, infielder Ronald Torreyes, and relievers J.R. Graham, Richard Bleier, Anthony Swarzak, Blake Parker, Tommy Layne, and Kirby Yates.

The Yankees could also move Nick Rumbelow and Jacob Lindgren to the 60-day disabled list to free up roster spots.

Here’s a look at some of the players the Yankees could consider promoting in September as they continue assembling their young core:

Catchers

– Kyle Higashioka– .304/.365/.561 in 337 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A. Things are already crowded behind the plate after the promotion of Gary Sanchez, but Higashioka has simply been too good not to merit a big league cup of coffee. If he’s not added to the 40-man this season, he can walks as a minor league free agent after the season.

Infielders

– Rob Refsnyder– .264/.336/.328 in 144 MLB plate appearances. Was doing a solid job in a bench role before his recent demotion. May even be recalled before September depending on team needs.

Won’t make the cut: Chris Parmelee, Pete Kozma, Jonathan Diaz, Donovan Solano, Tyler Wade, Miguel Andujar, Jorge Mateo, Gleyber Torres.

Outfielders

– Ben Gamel– .307/.367/.415 in 463 Triple-A plate appearances. Has already been up and down a few times to fill holes. Looks like a solid bet to compete for a bench role in 2017 following his second straight excellent International League campaign.

– Mason Williams– .271/.275/.354 in 52 Triple-A plate appearances. Has struggled to stay healthy all year. It’s possible the team could cut bait as they did with Slade Heathcott, but more likely they give him one more chance to see what he can do in the big leagues. Was electric in his first taste of MLB in 2015 before injury struck.

– Clint Frazier– .269/.341/.455 in 454 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A. The Yankees new number one prospect continues to struggle since a July promotion to Triple-A, but calling him up would definitely energize the fan base and be a great PR move.

Won’t make the cut: Jake Cave, Cesar Puello, Billy McKinney, Dustin Fowler

Starting Pitchers

– Dietrich Enns– 1.20 ERA in 52.2 Triple-A innings. The 25-year-old lefty is certain to be snatched up in the Rule 5 draft if he isn’t added to the 40-man this winter. Could be a useful long-man type or match-up guy for next season.

– Chance Adams– 2.20 ERA in 61.1 Double-A innings. Has been dominant since converting to a starter this season. Could soon supplant Chad Green as the go-to sixth starter. The only reason to doubt a promotion is that he still hasn’t even gotten the call to Scranton.

– Jordan Montgomery– 2.43 ERA in 115 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A. The Yankees 2014 fourth rounder has found success at every level of the team’s minor league system. A safety net for next year to solidify the back of the rotation if Chad Green and Luis Severino continue to struggle.

Won’t make the cut: Brady Lail, Kyle Haynes, Phil Coke

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Relief Pitchers

– Giovanny Gallegos– 1.62 ERA in 33.1 Triple-A innings.

– Mark Montgomery– 2.82 ERA in 22.1 Triple-A innings.

– Tyler Webb– 2.79 ERA in 61.1 Triple-A innings.

– Johnny Barbato– 3.34 ERA in 35 Triple-A innings

– James Pazos– 3.27 ERA in 22 Triple-A innings.

– Jonathan Holder– 1.59 ERA in 11.1 Triple-A innings.

Although the Yankees middle relief has been shaky this season, there are still plenty of interesting arms with Scranton Wilkes-Barre who warrant a longer look with the big league club. Gallegos and Holder in particular stand out as potential late-inning studs to help anchor the pen in 2017.