Yankees: Gleyber Torres now just one step away from big leagues

In the blink of an eye, Yankees top prospect Gleyber Torres has ascended to the highest level of minor league ball. One would think by this time next year he’ll officially be in the Bronx.

Gleyber Torres, come on down — you’ve been promoted by the Yankees to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre!

The youngest batting champion and MVP in Arizona Fall League history has had a solid start to the 2017 season at Trenton, batting .273/.367/.496 with five home runs and 18 RBI, while showing improved patience at the plate, resulting in 21 walks.

Despite only 32 games at the Double-A level, ESPN prospect guru Keith Law expressed his belief that Torres is ready for the challenge.

According to Baseball America, Yankees farm director, Gary Denbo was in attendance this past weekend to watch Torres, who just so happened to launch a grand slam on Friday night against Portland (his fourth home run in the past seven games).

"“Every since we’ve gotten him in the organization, he’s shown the ability to give quality at-bats every single day. He’s shown some power, he’s played some exceptional defense for us, his throwing has been accurate and he’s getting better and better on the base paths. So all the things that we want him to check off on the way to major league player, he’s been doing it for us.”More from Yankees NewsYankees add to championship core with Wilmer Difo signingAaron Judge’s ‘breadcrumbs’ showed he was never leaving Yankees, has more moves in mindYankees analyst Cameron Maybin projects surprise landing spot for Gary SánchezYankees swipe intriguing minor-league FA lefty flamethrower from BravesWhat does Carlos Rodón’s new jersey number mean for Domingo Germán?"

Torres will likely continue to see time at second base, shortstop and third base — making the reigning International League champions that much stronger, as he joins forces with fellow top prospects Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade, Dustin Fowler and Chance Adams.

Jorge Mateo, who’s hitting .400 in his last nine games at High-A Tampa, after struggling with the stick to begin the season, could very well see a promotion in his future. For the time being, Thairo Estrada is expected to fill in where Torres left off for the Thunder.

For those wishing the Yankees to call on Torres to replace the ice-cold Chase Headley, keep dreaming. Even though Headley is batting an anemic .186 with one homer and 17 RBI in his past 26 games, the club is still hopeful he duplicate his torrid April start. And besides, Torres has only played a total of six games at third base in his young career.

Barring a season-ending type of injury to one of the Yankees’ starting infielders, it’s highly doubtful Torres reaches the majors until the rosters expand in September. Even then, his addition to the 40-man would result in a player like Mason Williams or Rob Refsnyder being subjected to a waiver claim by another club.

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Whatever happens the rest of the way, one thing is certain — it’s only a matter of time until Torres forces his way into a New York Yankees lineup.