CHICAGO – Miguel Andujar was called up to the big league club on Wednesday night following the news that Matt Holliday was going to be placed on the disabled list with an infection. The rookie dominated in the minor leagues and his play carried over into his first game for the New York Yankees, as he went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in, and a stolen base.
Getting the call up to the majors can oftentimes be a bit daunting for a young player, but Andujar made the most of his opportunity by staying poised at the plate. In his first at-bat of the game, he showed the patience of a veteran player. The first pitch was a fastball down and in that he did not chase, followed by a second pitch strike at the top of the zone. Andujar took the third pitch of the at-bat inside for a ball and then ripped a single to center field that was thrown right over the heart of the plate.
Andujar’s patience at the plate forced Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon to give him something that he could hit and the young hitter capitalized on the pitch.
Andujar, who primarily plays third base, filled in as the designated hitter for the night in the Yankees’ victory. An injury-riddled lineup was given a jolt with the presence of Andujar as the Yankees were able to score 12 runs on the White Sox.
The at-bat that impressed me the most about Andujar was his walk in the top of the eighth inning. The young hitter got ahead in the count 3-0 but pitcher Chris Beck battled back to level it at 3-2. Andujar fouled a couple of pitches off before drawing a walk on the seventh pitch of the at-bat. Plate discipline is something many hitters lack in the majors, and for Andujar to show the ability to lay off of pitches that look appealing is a tremendous sign for the Yankees.
