📌 Join the BPCrew Chapter in your city and meet up with more Yankees fans! 👉 CLICK HERE

Yankees Minor League update- August 22nd

As the season winds down for the Yankees minor league system, eyes will be on who the Yankees choose to bring to the big leagues for September call ups. While lower level affiliates may have their own impressive performances and pennant races, over the next few weeks, Yankees minor league updates will be dedicated to covering those prospects who could be promoted next month. Not every prospect will come up on September 1st, however, as the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and AA Trenton Thunder are both in playoff contention. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some prospects who may be in the Bronx before the end of the season.

J.R. Graham– RP- Trenton (AA)- The 26 year-old Graham has been recovering from arm fatigue and has already had a stint on the minor league disabled list. A former top prospect for the Braves, Graham had pitched out of the bullpen for the Twins as recently as early this season before latching on with the Yankees. I saw Graham pitch Friday, as he earned a two-inning save, striking out two while scattering three hits. His fastball sat in the mid-90s, although he reportedly touched 98 mph as a young prospect before dealing with shoulder issues. He also has a set-up position reminiscent of fellow former Braves prospect and current Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel. The right-hander has an impressive 2.16 ERA in 15 appearances for Trenton, including 30 strikeouts in 25 innings. Graham’s major league experience and spot on the 40-man roster make him a candidate to be promoted, but his lack of service in AAA may work against him.

Kyle Higashioka– C- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Another older prospect, the 26 year-old Higashioka has slashed in both AA and AAA this season. Between both levels, the catcher has a .298 average, a .356 on-base percentage, 19 home runs, and 73 RBI. He has good plate discipline, with 59 strikeouts and 33 walks in 319 at-bats this season and his numbers have been similar at both levels. This is Higashioka’s final year before both Rule 5 Draft eligibility and minor league free agency. The former 7th round pick of the Yankees all the way back in 2008 will likely earn a gamble from some major league club. Despite the Yankees’ depth at catcher, with Brian McCann, Gary Sanchez, and Austin Romine all ahead of Higashioka, the Yankees will likely look to roster him and at least gain some sort of return on his bat. While it’s not a guarantee that the Yankees call him up, expect the Yankees to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man some time before December.

Miguel Andujar– 3B- Trenton (AA)- Andujar is just 21, but has already made it to AA, where he has hit .266 with a .331 on-base percentage in 222 at-bats. Despite hitting just one home run for Trenton, the righty still offers power, as he hit ten long balls in just 230 at-bats for High-A Tampa earlier this year. The Dominican third baseman has improved his defense at the hot corner this season, with 18 errors so far, compared two 26 errors in each of the last two seasons. He may be a year or so away from regular big league service, but the Yankees may consider promoting him as he will also be Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason, as he will be completing his fifth professional season. Andujar is by no means a favorite to earn a call-up and may also not make it onto the 40-man until the winter, but the Yankees may look to give him a challenge and give him some big league seasoning.

Jorge Mateo– SS- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Mateo still plays down in A-ball and lost time earlier this season due to a suspension related to his frustration at not being promoted to AA, but his speed may allow him to have a role with the big club should the Yankees choose to call him up when rosters expand. Mateo, like Miguel Andujar, will be completing his fifth professional season and will be eligible for selection by another club in the Rule 5 draft. The Yankees will almost definitely add him to the 40 man roster and thus protect him from selection this offseason, but that move does not have to come this season. In fact, it’s unlikely the Yankees call him up this September. It may not be a great behavioral incentive to promote him after suspending him for mouthing off to the team, but the biggest argument against the 21 year-old may be his numbers. Despite 31 stolen bases and a decent .269 average, Mateo has a lowly .317 on-base percentage. His eight home runs have been an impressive addition to his game, but it remains unlikely that the Yankees would use Mateo for anything but his speed in a call-up this season. Thus, the Yankees will likely also wait to add Mateo to the roster until the offseason, but given the club’s youth movement, nothing can be ruled out.