Yankees: Tyler Wade quickly turning heads this spring

Although the Yankees are just five games into Grapefruit League play, it hasn’t stopped Tyler Wade from producing at the plate. Now if only he can keep it up.

Following two runs scored in the bottom of the ninth inning by the Yankees on Friday, game five of the spring ended in a 2-2 tie versus the Orioles.

Now, 3-2, manager Aaron Boone is getting a look at plenty of players that will soon be dispersed to various levels of the organization — and although the sample size is small, 24-year-old Tyler Wade has impressed Boone with his revitalized approach at the plate, per Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com.

"“It’s been really good to see him impact the ball,’’ Boone said. “He’s come in here wanting to fight for something and he’s ready. With what he brings with his speed and his defensive versatility, he can be a valuable player for us if that offense can continue to come around.’’"

In four games played, Wade has five hits in eight at-bats including three doubles, a home run, two RBIs and a stolen base with five runs scored.

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Though his .625/.667/1.375 slash will likely drop as his plate appearances increase, it’s nice to see Wade taking a step forward with the stick, even if it is only Spring Training.

Wade recently told Randy Miller of NJ.com that his enhancement can be attributed to time spent with Yankee hitting coaches PJ Pilittere and Marcus Thames.

"“Marcus and PJ have been working with me and I’m just trying to trust it right now,” Wade said. “It’s early. Like everybody else, I’m just trying to see pitches and get back into the groove and just put a good swing on the ball.”"

While already seeing action at second base, shortstop, third base and left field, Wade’s ability to man a multitude of positions may very well give him a leg up in the competition for the final Yankees bench spot. Especially after learning earlier in the week that the club fully intends for Clint Frazier to begin 2019 back at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

In the meantime, Wade will look to continue his fine early form.

Despite making the Yankees Opening Day roster a season ago, Wade only played in 36 games across four major league stints in 2018, where struggled to the tune of .167/.214/.273 with eight runs scored, four doubles, one homer, five RBIs and 22 strikeouts in 66 at-bats.

With Didi Gregorius likely out until June at the earliest, the unfortunate circumstance that is Jacoby Ellsbury and never truly knowing what kind of offensive production Greg Bird will provide, Wade’s potential improvement from the left-hand side of the dish and uber-utility ability could be a ticket to the 25-man roster.