Throwing ability will determine Andujar fate

Watching Miguel Andujar take batting practice Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, it was easy to see that swinging a bat isn’t a concern when it comes to the labrum tear in his right shoulder that forced him to the injured list on April 1.

Sure, it was BP, but the injured Yankees third baseman’s swing was easy and Andujar — who said it was at 90 percent — did not have to manufacture bat speed.

So, when it comes to deciding whether Andujar can play third base or will have to undergo surgery, his ability to throw will be the deciding factor. And while there are other options — DH and first base — it is not likely the Yankees would fool with the 24year-old’s future and keep him away from surgery just to play two foreign positions.

Out since March 31, when he suffered the injury, Andujar has been playing catch since the Yankees were in Houston last week. Now, he is ready to take the next step which will be throwing to bases.

“I don’t know exactly when, this weekend or early next week,’’ Andujar said before the Yankees dropped the first of a fourgame homestand against the lowly Royals.

Andujar said he is going to make next week’s western trip that starts in Anaheim on Monday.

“One step at a time and every time it gets better and better,’’ Andujar said. “As far as ready to play, I don’t know.’’

Andujar is taking the same approach where surgery is concerned.

“Honestly, I feel really happy with the way the shoulder has responded,’’ Andujar said. “One step at a time and see what happens.”

When asked about DH as a possibility for Andujar — who finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year race last year when he batted .297 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs — Aaron Boone said conversations have been held and it will be talked about further, but ultimately the club will do what is best for Andujar’s future.

“To some degree, already started those conversations. We will put, in Miggy’s case, his best interest long term,’’ Boone said. “If we feel it is something he can get through ... surgery is not always the answer, not always the best way to go so we will exhaust this and try to make the best decision possible for us but for him as well. If it gets to that point, I am sure we will have conversations but we will do what is best for Miggy.’’