Yankees’ in-house solution at shortstop could be a lesser-known prospect

There’s a hole at the shortstop position, and the Yankees must fill the void in less than two weeks.

With Didi Gregorius currently shut down from most baseball activities until approximately April 18 after suffering a right shoulder sprain during the World Baseball Classic, the organization’s crop of middle infield talent is being placed under the microscope, and Gregorius’ temporary in-house replacement isn’t clear to the Yankee brass just yet.

What has been made definitive, however, is that top prospect Gleyber Torres will not be competing for the job. The 20-year-old has hit .448 with two home runs and nine RBI this spring, but he will begin the season with Double-A Trenton, according to general manager Brian Cashman. Another prospect who can be marked off the list is 21-year-old speedster Jorge Mateo, who will likely start in the Florida State League. 

And so the Yankees’ choices are trimmed down to Starlin Castro, Ronald Torreyes, Ruben Tejada and Pete Kozma–four players who are capable of serving as an everyday platoon man. But if the team wants a little more juice or excitement at the position, perhaps another likable prospect should be in the running. 

22-year-old utility man Tyler Wade was told by the Yankees that their wish was for him to start in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but it seems like a window is still open for Wade to steal the role.

“I really want to be on this team to help win games,” Wade told the New York Post. “I took on this utility role to do whatever I can to help this team win. You never want to see anyone get hurt, and Didi is such an important player. Whatever they need me to do I will do.’’

Wade, who played in 133 games with Trenton last season, hit just .259 with five home runs and 27 RBI, but his spring batting average (.361)–along with his work ethic and professionalism–have pleased coaches. 

“[Wade’s] had a good camp,’’ Cashman said. “We’ll eventually make a call. We’ll have some eagle eyes on guys over the next two weeks because they now know there is a position that is up for grabs. It will be interesting to see how they respond to that type of competition. There is a vacancy that needs to be filled.”

Whether or not Wade makes the major league roster in the coming days, he isn’t interested in changing who he is as a player or person, according to the Post.

“As a player, I just play hard every day, all nine innings,’’ Wade said. “I try to do the little things right to help the team win. As a shortstop I just try to make the routine play and make sure that whenever a ball is hit my way, the pitcher and the coaching staff know we have an out secured.

“I’m not going to change anything, I’m just going to keep working and play my game. I’m just going to go about my business the right way. I try to play the game hard. You see a guy busting it down the line and good things happen. It’s contagious.’’