The New York Yankees optioned top prospect Spencer Jones to Triple-A following a difficult offensive stretch in the Bronx. This move makes room for another shortstop's return from the injured list.

They sent Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after dropping back-to-back games, tying their four-game series at home against the Toronto Blue Jays. That leaves space for Jose Caballero to return from the IL following a fractured right middle finger.

Jones was recalled to the Major League roster on May 8 after switch-hitting prospect Jasson Dominguez went down with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder.

Jones struggled to replicate his minor league production in the Bronx. He batted just .167 (4-for-24), recorded two RBIs, three walks, and 10 strikeouts in his split time between outfield and DH across 10 games.

In his final appearance against the Blue Jays on Thursday, he went 1-for-3. He managed a leadoff single in the fifth inning and successfully secured his first career stolen base, but the Yankees couldn't take advantage of it.

Jones’s return to Triple-A points to a hopeful sign for the Yankees. Trent Grisham may be ready to come back soon. Grisham left Wednesday’s game with left knee discomfort, but Thursday’s imaging showed no structural damage.

“It’s a relief,” Grisham said. “Anytime you get something in your knee, I guess you’re a little worried. I was pretty optimistic with how I was feeling that there would be no structural damage. But still good to get the news.” 

Manager Aaron Boone hinted that Grisham could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday, saying there's "a chance he's in there" after a good day of testing. But if it won't happen, the Yankees don't have many options to replace him in the outfield.

 Without Jones, the fourth outfielder options are now Max Schuemann or Amed Rosario. 

The Yankees have kept Anthony Volpe on the roster

The Yankees optioned Volpe to Triple-A on May 4 after his rehab work, then recalled him on May 12 when Caballero went on the injured list. Boone said Caballero should get the job back when healthy, because he had “played as well as anyone out there.”

Still, Volpe has earned more time. Since coming back, he has hit .250 with a .794 OPS, and he has looked better at the plate than he did before his shoulder surgery recovery.

“[Volpe] is doing great,” Caballero said. “It definitely means a lot to me [Boone giving a vote of confidence]. But I just want to be in there and help the team as much as I can.” 

The Yankees also sent Yovanny Cruz back to Triple-A to clear space for Gerrit Cole’s return.

Cruz had made a strong big league debut, throwing two perfect innings, with three strikeouts, while his fastball touched an elite 100.9 mph.

However, his second outing on Thursday was far less smooth. He recorded just one flyout before surrendering a double and hitting a batter in 0.1 innings, which made the move easy.

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Written by

Md Saife Fida

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi