By this season’s end, Ronald Torreyes will receive a paycheck of a little over half a million dollars — $561.9K to be exact. But the 24-year-old fun-sized utility infielder has persistently shown the Yankees that his worth is much higher.
In 89 games played, Torreyes’ offensive numbers are exceptional. Entering Tuesday night, his batting average sat at .284 (77-for-271), and his 11 doubles and 33 RBI have made him a stealthy asset at the bottom of New York’s lineup. As for his glove work at shortstop, second and third base, there are very few blunders to be found, as Torreyes has committed just four errors on 282 total defensive chances. He’s excelled in his assigned roles, and those type of players are difficult to find and also put a price on.
But Torreyes’ job will soon change. While injuries created opportunity that he seized earlier in the year, the Yankees’ infield is close to being fully healthy, as second baseman Starlin Castro (hamstring) is expected to come off the disabled list in the coming days. Castro’s return will force Torreyes back to the bench as a platoon-type man, but the so-called demotion won’t keep him down at all.
“I am super happy for the opportunity the team has given me, happy the manager has trusted me to do the job,’’ Torreyes told the New York Post. “I am very happy to do the little things, get a bunt down and getting the runner over. That makes me happy to help win some ballgames.
“[The backup role] won’t be difficult at all. I will go back to the utility role and keep doing my work. I am actually excited that Castro is coming back. That’s what we need for the team.’’
Torreyes, who turns 25 in less than two weeks, is arbitration eligible until 2019.
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