Spencer Jones faces inevitable Yankees fate with Aaron Judge injury (but there's hope)

Typically, the path of least resistance for top prospects is giving them proper runway outside of the beaming spotlight. It's hard enough to do that in the New York market. It's even harder to do that when you're looking to replace Aaron Judge's production.

On Friday, the Yankees recalled top prospect Spencer Jones to take Judge's place on the active roster as the reigning MVP is hitting the injured list with a fractured rib. It seems as if he's going to miss at least two months of action, which inherently creates a prime opportunity for Jones to show his value to the organization.

Jones is not being asked to become Judge, but he is being asked to translate his ability to drive in runs from Triple-A to the big leagues. And his first audition was not good. He was up for two weeks in May and hit .167 with a .426 OPS in 10 games (27 plate appearances). He did not record a single extra-base hit despite that being his literal calling card.

So, while this is an excellent showcase for Jones, it's also pressure-packed because of the link to Judge's injury. Not to mention, how much longer of a leash does Jones even have? He's 25 years old and doesn't really have anything left to prove at Triple-A. The next step is The Show. It's sink or swim time. Become a major leaguer or leave yoruself at risk of being upper minor league fodder.

Spencer Jones has chance to silence all the Yankees doubters

Jones, at least, has responded with fury after his demotion a couple weeks ago. He's been making a ton of contact and drove in seven runs over this last 10 games. He boosted his line to .269/.378/.571 at Triple-A. The strikeouts are still there (they are never going away), but he's still working walks and making hard contact.

And let's be honest: Jones has been under pressure in New York since Day 1. After being drafted, he was immediately compared to Judge because of their similar massive statures and overall power. He's been the subject of criticism from other fanbases because of his slow development as a prospect. He fell off Top-100 prospect lists this past offseason after striking out 109 times over 298 Triple-A plate appearances last year. He's been in the crosshairs for quite some time. That's life as a Yankees prospect.

At this rate, it's almost fitting Jones would get the call under these circumstances. It's no different than how his Yankees tenure has played out ... except for the fact that this time around an emphatic response is needed. It's not merely requested. It's not a pleasant bonus. The Yankees' season is in peril after they lost the best hitter in the game. Jones won't be asked to step in for Judge pound-for-pound, but he will need to display some of his calling-card traits or else risk officially fading into the background in New York.

Jones doesn't need to light the world on fire. He doesn't need to put a charge into every strike he sees. He just needs to be a net positive by bringing his power and athleticism to the table. Unfortunately, time is running out, but there's no better way for him to re-introduce himself back into the fold.

We'd like to say "no pressure," but that's not life in New York. It's all the pressure, and relishing in those stakes will flip the script in his favor.

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