The 2023 season has been a forgettable one for the New York Yankees. Despite boasting one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball, the franchise has failed to perform to its expectations. Teetering around the 0.500 mark, the Yankees’ postseason chances appear bleak even to the most optimistic fans. But with the rookie eligibility deadline fast approaching, are the Yankees going for one last hail mary?
The New York Yankees will need to pull off some major moves if they are to make a run into the postseason. And with their stars underperforming, the chances for that seem to be dropping every successive day. But perhaps the Yankees still have an ace to pull to make this season worth it. With the deadline to call up position players from the minors looming, the Yankees seem to have made a decision.
New York Yankees Minor League Affiliate Leaves Star Sluggers Off Lineup
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The New York Yankees minor league affiliate the Scranton Railriders have seen some star sluggers emerge in 2023. Despite a losing record to almost mirror their Major League counterpart, there are a few bright spots with the minor league affiliate. With the emergence of some powerful sluggers, perhaps even a Major League call-up may not be too far.
Austin Wells is out of the lineup for the Scranton RailRiders, as is Everson Pereira. We'll see whether it's related to tomorrow being the day you can call up position player prospects without losing rookie eligibility or just rest.
— Ryan Garcia (@RyanGarciaESM) August 17, 2023
According to journalist Ryan Garcia, the star prospects for the Railriders, Austin Wells and Everson Pereira were left off the lineup during their game on Thursday. While this could also just be a consequence of resting the young athletes, the timing is a bit curious.
Today marks 45 days until the end of the regular season. In order to maintain rookie eligibility for next year, prospects must be on your roster for less than 45 days. Everson Pereira and Austin Wells are conveniently out of the AAA lineup tonight. pic.twitter.com/O1HhTljyDx
— Nick (@NYYNick_) August 17, 2023
The League’s deadline rookie eligibility deadline to call up players from the minor leagues is fast approaching. And if that is any indication of what is to happen, Friday could be seeing the two stars take on the Pinstripes in the Major Leagues.
Is it a last-ditch effort from the front office to end the season with dignity?
The Struggling Yankees Lineup
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The New York Yankees’ million-dollar payroll is failing to make any noise in the Major Leagues. Despite star slugger and 2022 Homerun King Aaron Judge returning to the lineup, the Yankees’ offense is not performing well enough for their defense to back up the wins that they need. And any new energy into the lineup will surely shake things up.
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With the underperforming Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees also have no lack of space to slot in any incoming players. And with the trade deadline already past, it seems the only way the Yankees can try and do something different would be to call up their minor leaguers.
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While not the ideal situation, the current scenario could see two potential stars Austin Wells and Everson Pereira get the big league call-up. And if they do, the opportunity is truly theirs for the taking.