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Refsnyder, Whitley among players sent down

 

The Yankees announced today that they have optioned RHP Chase Whitley to Triple-A and have reassigned infielders Rob Refsnyder, Nick Noonan and catcher Eddy Rodriguez to minor league camp.

This may come as a shock to some but it was the plan all along to have Refsnyder start at the minors even with the injury to Brendan Ryan. Refsnyder has had a very good offensive spring but his defense at second still needs work. The Yankees feel that he will get more work in the minors than he would if he made the team. However, with the injury to Ryan and potential struggles of Didi Gregorius and/or Stephen Drew you have to wonder how long the Yankees are willing to wait until Refsnyder gets called up.

Noonan was another guy vying for the backup infield spot but with newly acquired infielder Gregorio Petit that all but ended his chances. Noonan had a decent spring and could be called-up if more injuries arise in the Yankee infield.

The most surprising was Whitley being sent down. Whitley had a very strong spring and was being considered for the role relief role in the Yankees bullpen. However, the Yankees think he is better served to continue starting in the minors just in case they need him due to injury or want to go to a six man rotation.

This all but guarantees Esmil Rogers as the long relief man. Also, both Chris Martin and Chasen Shreve appear locks to fill out the bullpen. Shreve and Martin have shown good stuff throughout the spring and give the Yankees another hard thrower in Martin and lefty in Shreve.