Andujar stars after Matt’s KOd
CHICAGO — Matt Holliday was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday retroactive to June 25 with a viral infection. The Yankees then promoted 22-year-old third baseman Miguel Andujar from Triple-A Scranton before their 12-3 win over the White Sox. In his first major league game, Andujar went 3-for-4 with four RBI, becoming the first Yankee ever to have three hits and four RBI in his big league debut.
Holliday, who missed the last three games, was sent back to New York for more testing.
“We’re not seeing much improvement, and I think our biggest concern is the fatigue factor with him not eating a lot,” Joe Girardi said. “And if he did start to get better, it would take him three, four days to get his strength back. So you start to add all that up, and you’re looking at 10 days.”
The veteran DH is hitting .262/.366/.511 with 15 homers in 68 games.
Added Girardi: “I think he’s probably lost a little weight. He just doesn’t look like a very energetic person.” Mononucleosis has been ruled out.
Andujar had an .837 OPS with eight homers and 54 RBI in 74 games between Double-A Trenton (67) and Triple-A Scranton (seven). He was not expected to arrive in the majors this soon, but injuries — including a seasonender to top prospect Gleyber Torres — quickly changed his trajectory.
“It’s special,” Andujar said before the game.
Tyler Wade, who drew a pinch-hit walk on Tuesday, was also making his first MLB start in left field.
Andujar became the eighth Yankee to make his MLB debut in 2017. Alex Rodriguez was especially high on Andujar during the spring.
Tyler Austin (right hamstring tightness) could also be headed to the DL, Girardi said. Austin Romine started for the second consecutive night at first base.
NOT SO GOOD WORD ON BIRD
Greg Bird (ankle, foot), who is working out with Triple-A Scranton, reportedly expressed uncertainty that the cortisone shot he recently received in his right ankle has worked. “I mean, at this point, I’m still sore, I think,” he told local reporters. “It’s supposed to help.”
Girardi told YES there is concern that Bird won’t make it back this season.
WARREN IMPROVEMENT
Adam Warren (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session. The Yankees hope he can return on the next homestand. … CC Sabathia (hamstring) was supposed to throw a simulated game on Wednesday but it was pushed back to Thursday due to the inclement weather in Chicago. … Chris Carter, who was designated for assignment, accepted his assignment to Triple-A Scranton.