Yankees: Miguel Andujar returns from injury and hits a home run in spring training debut

On Sunday Miguel Andujar played in his first game since May 12th of last season and in his final at-bat of the day, he hit an opposite-field home run. Miggy started at third base for the Yankees but throughout the spring he’s expected to get reps at first base and left field as well.

Andujar has waited a long time to step back into the batter’s box in an actual game so his return on Sunday had to be a nice moment for him. After undergoing season-ending surgery last May because of a torn labrum, it didn’t take very long for Miggy to remind everyone why he’s one of the best all-around hitters in the Yankees All-Star lineup.

On the first pitch he saw in the fifth inning against Rays left-hander Anthony Banda Miggy lined a solo shot just over the fence in right field to cut the Yankee deficit to 3-2.

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Driving the ball with authority to the opposite field is something we saw plenty of from Miggy during his incredible rookie campaign in 2018 and we can expect more of the same this season. As long as he can stay healthy he’s going to hit, but the question is how are the Yankees going to find a way to get his bat in the lineup on a consistent basis?

Versatility is such a great attribute for a player to have in today’s game so the Yankees are hoping Miggy can adapt to his new utility role rather quickly. So far things seem to be going well according to manager Aaron Boone who says Miggy’s shown that he’s probably capable of making this transition. On Monday he’s expected to make his debut at first base and at some point next week we should see him tested in left field for the first time too.

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With Gio Urshela expected to be the starting third basemen, there’s some pressure on Miggy to make this work if he wants to be a key contributor once the season rolls around. I highly doubt the Yankees would send him to Triple-A to start the season but if he struggles defensively at his new positions it’s an option they could consider.

Again, I don’t see it happening because Boone seems confident that Miggy will be able to handle this challenge which could be huge for the Yanks. We already know what he brings to the table offensively but if he can move around the diamond similar to how DJ LeMahieu did a season ago he could make just as big of an impact.

No one is expecting Miggy to become an above-average defender at any of the positions he plays, but if he’s adequate at the very least the Yankees will sign up for that in a second.

It’s too early to tell which position he’s going to play the most once the season starts but if I had to guess it would be left field. With Giancarlo Stanton also coming off an injury-plagued season he’s likely going to spend a lot of time as the primary DH so there’s going to be an opening in left until Aaron Hicks returns.

Mike Tauchman will see a lot of reps in the outfield but he’s not the hitter Miggy is and I expect him to play more in center field to give the 36-year-old Brett Gardner a rest here and there. Tauchman would also work well as a late-game replacement for Miggy because he’s the best defensive left-fielder on the roster.

The great thing about this Yankee roster is they have a lot of options thanks to how deep they are at each position. No matter who’s starting this team is going to be very tough to beat, but if they can get Miggy’s bat in the lineup as often as possible it takes them to a whole other level.