New York Yankees fans have grown to love outfielder Spencer Jones, who has certainly been impressive over the last several weeks and throughout his rookie campaign in general.
But could Jones’ stay on the roster come to a screeching halt this month?
Aaron Judge is slated to return from the injured list soon, and someone will have to get the boot. While Amed Rosario has been tabbed as a player who could get designated for assignment, Yankees announcer Michael Kay feels that New York might just decide to demote Jones.
“Jones has options. And I think Jones has played himself into a position where he should be on the team,” Kay said on his radio show. “He has exceeded what I thought that he would do after I saw him the first time he was called up. This third time that he’s been called up, different player. Still strikes out, but that’s part of the game. That’s all part of the contract with him. But he’s gotten big hits.”
Kay listed off more strong qualities for Jones, but simply believes that demoting the former top prospect is the only real solution.
“He’s hit left-handers very well. He has nine home runs. He runs the bases well. And I think he has trouble going back on balls in the outfield. So he’s not as great an outfielder as people want to make him out to be. … I think the only thing that they could do is to send Jones down, which I kind of think is unfair because he’s done everything that they would want him to do and more.”
Kay’s take certainly won’t make Yankees fans happy, as the Bronx faithful absolutely do not want to see the 25-year-old get sent back down after such a notable run.
The problem is that Rosario has also been a valuable bench bat for New York, and the Yankees may struggle to find playing time for Jones if they choose to continue starting Trent Grisham in center field.
Cody Bellinger, Grisham and Judge will likely represent New York’s starting outfielders, and Heliot Ramos — who mashes left-handed pitching — will probably serve as the fourth outfielder.
Where does that leave Jones?
It’s the unfortunate reality of the situation for Jones, who has absolutely played well enough to keep his spot on the ballclub. But the Yankees’ roster crunch may not allow it, much to the chagrin of the fanbase.
We’ll see what New York decides to do once Judge is back in the fold.
