Report: Tyler Wade assigned to minor league camp

The starting shortstop competition has been narrowed down.

Kyle Higashioka and Tyler Wade have cleaned out their lockers at Steinbrenner Field.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 29, 2017

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Tyler Wade has cleared out his locker at George M. Steinbrenner Field. In all likelihood, the 22-year-old has been assigned back to minor league camp. With the injury to Didi Gregorius, Wade found himself in a competition with Pete Kozma, Ronald Torreyes and Ruben Tejada to start the season with the big league club. Wade has been impressive this spring, posting a slash line of .357/.400/.452 in 25 games. Although he's been playing well, it's likely that the Yankees want to get him everyday at-bats. At this point, everyday playing time would be very unlikely for the young prospect. With Wade being optioned, the Yankees now have Kozma and Torreyes vying for the starting shortstop spot. However, manager Joe Girardi said yesterday he's leaning towards going with Torreyes. In regards to Kozma, the Yankees will have to clear up a 40-man roster space to add him to the active roster if he cracks the big league league club. Along with Wade, catcher Kyle Higashioka has also been assigned to minor league camp. The 26-year-old was battling for the backup catcher's position, which was awarded to Austin Romine. Higashioka posted a slash line of .296/.406/.630 slash line in 20 games this spring.