Headlines

  • Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury
  • Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin
  • Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib
  • Tucker Barnhart To Retire
  • Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline
  • Reds Release Jeimer Candelario
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

AL East Notes: Drury, Bird, Vlad Jr., Pearson, Mujica

By Jeff Todd | May 8, 2018 at 11:46am CDT

The Yankees may soon have a welcome problem on their hands with multiple infield options, with youngsters Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres performing well as Brandon Drury has tried to sort out a long-standing migraine problem. (Neil Walker and Ronald Torreyes are also on the MLB roster, along with everyday shortstop Didi Gregorius.) As MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch discusses in response to a reader inquiry, there continues to be progress in Drury’s health issue and he could soon be ready to return. While he could be optioned, Hoch suggests the organization could consider moving him around as well, possibly giving Drury time at second, third, and the corner outfield. Hoch also checks in briefly on injured first bagger Greg Bird, explaining that he’s on track to return later this month. Barring further injuries, there’ll certainly be some interesting decisions to be made for a ballclub that has been on a tear.

More from the AL East:

  • Blue Jays prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has obviously earned quite a few headlines with his excellent work thus far at Double-A level, leading many to wonder whether he’s a near-term option in the majors. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca addresses that topic (video link on Twitter), arguing that the team has good reason to ensure the 19-year-old is ready for the huge amount of visibility a promotion would entail. That’s the larger factor than on-field readiness, says Nicholson-Smith, though of course it’s also worth bearing in mind that Vlad Jr. has only taken 118 plate appearances thus far in the upper minors. Nicholson-Smith proposes further experience there, perhaps including some time at Triple-A Buffalo, before weighing a possible mid-summer debut in Toronto.
  • Another Blue Jays prospect is in the news, too, but for less promising reasons. Young righty Nate Pearson has been diagnosed with a non-displaced fractured ulna in his pitching arm, per a club announcement. He suffered the injury on a comebacker. At this point, all that’s known is that he’ll be down for four to six weeks before being evaluated further. The 21-year-old, a first-round pick in last year’s draft, was making his season debut after an oblique injury sidelined him to open the year. Pearson was appearing at the High-A level, so he’s likely still a ways away from the majors, but he had already emerged as a top-100 prospect and will now at least lose some development time while rehabbing.
  • In other pitching injury news, the Rays have suffered another dent to their depth, as Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports on Twitter. 21-year-old right-hander Jose Mujica is sidelined with a forearm strain, per the report, which is never the sort of news you want to hear for a young hurler. Mujica had shown well in his first six starts at the Triple-A level, working to a 3.13 ERA with 32 strikeouts against ten walks in his 31 2/3 innings of action. His anticipated timeline is not yet known.
Share 0 Retweet 4 Send via email0

New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays Toronto Blue Jays Brandon Drury Greg Bird Vladimir Guerrero

MLB Announces London Series
Main
Roberto Osuna Charged With Domestic Assault, Placed On Administrative Leave
View Comments (35)
Post a Comment

35 Comments

  1. gluedogg

    7 years ago

    The Vladimir Guerrero Jr. link goes to Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

    Reply
    • TwinsHomer

      7 years ago

      19 years old with 16 MLB seasons under his belt! Amazing!

      8
      Reply
      • RunDMC

        7 years ago

        He is certainly hitting like he has his dad’s experience. If anyone can hit from the womb, Vlad Jr. shall.

        On another note, how long as it been since we’ve seen as good of hitting prospects as Acuna and Vlad Jr. — and they’re not a Dodger, Cub, Yankee or Red Sox, so you can cheer for them guilt-free.

        1
        Reply
        • Priggs89

          7 years ago

          Maybe I’m just a homer, but I’d throw Eloy in there too. Fun times.

          1
          Reply
        • Bennybosox

          7 years ago

          Juan Soto is the best offensive prospect in baseball. Period.

          Reply
        • jameyc

          7 years ago

          yawn,,in low a ball? many prospects have killed it there,,blake rutherford did as well..moved up and nothing,,lets pump the brakes a little,,he is hardly the best offensive prospect in baseball.

          Reply
  2. Priggs89

    7 years ago

    “arguing that the team has good reason to ensure the 19-year-old is ready for the huge amount of visibility a promotion would entail.”

    I’d argue that’s not going to change at all after a month or two of raking in Buffalo… That’s not really something you can prepare for at the minor league level.

    Luckily for them, he *should* have a pretty good understanding of everything that’s about to happen to/for him based on his experience growing up.

    1
    Reply
  3. realgone2

    7 years ago

    Damn He’s already a HOFer!?!

    1
    Reply
  4. customcrown

    7 years ago

    Where’s the link on Ellsbury? Lol

    2
    Reply
  5. Steven Chinwood

    7 years ago

    Wait over the next 2-3 weeks and see who’s hitting amongst these Yankees infielders. If the ones without options are failing then that’s why they pay Cash the big bucks to make tough decisions.

    Reply
  6. Chris

    7 years ago

    Does Torreyes have any options? Also I think Cashman really likes Drury. Don’t be surprised if Andujar is packaged with someone to get another starter, especially if German can’t keep this up until Montgomery returns. But all things considered, these are good problems to have

    Reply
    • Chris

      7 years ago

      I think the most interesting battle is between Bird and Austin. The Yankees have long been patient with Bird’s injury woes due to his left handed bat. But if Austin continues playing so well what do you do? Some corner OF duty? With Frazier close to being healthy and the inevitable return of Ellsbury the Yankees have some great problems

      Reply
      • toptekjon

        7 years ago

        Tyler Austin has been awful. He had a nice couple of weeks, but go and look at his stats again. I root for Austin for sure, but it’s a no brainer – he’s getting demoted to AAA the first day Bird is ready.

        Reply
    • southbeachbully

      7 years ago

      When Cashman obtained Drury he stated that it would not block either Andujar or Torres in terms of their long term plans for the Yankees. No obviously, if Drury were setting the world on fire or Andujar regressed/failed then that would change things.

      That being said, right now, in terms of what either has actually DONE, Andujar and Drury are pretty much the same. In terms of narrative it feels better to have a home grown kid grow into a full-time Yankee.

      As for Austin vs Bird, I think Bird has the perception of having a higher ceiling and keep in mind that Austin has been very fragile for most of his career too.

      A lot of questions.

      Reply
      • Chris

        7 years ago

        Yeah but I think Andujar has more value in a trade right now due to Drury’s migraine issue. But as players they are the same which is why I think one of them is expendable. I think the biggest surprise is Torres. He’s locked down the position way sooner than we could’ve hoped

        Reply
        • jameyc

          7 years ago

          andujar is a keeper,,no need to go after a big name FA.

          Reply
      • Chris

        7 years ago

        But yes a lot of questions, fortunately they’re good ones to have

        Reply
  7. dust44

    7 years ago

    Every time a team has as much talent as the Yankees everyone throws out crazy trade rumors. I dont think they trade Andujar at all. Torres is obviously not going anywhere. I think the play is Drury becomes a super utility. Austin and Bird r both oft injured so they will need DH days. I really think the play is to trade Hicks.

    Reply
    • Chris

      7 years ago

      Lol talk about ridiculous trade ideas. Here we go: Cashman and Boone have repeatedly said they see Drury as a starter. With Andujar having exactly zero plate discipline his hold on 3rd is precarious at best. Why would you trade your best defensive OF when Gardner is clearly on his way out and Giancarlo isn’t a natural LF? Florial isn’t ready and no one else is really suited at CF unless you’re starting Ellsbury (no thanks). Finally with Bird/Austin. If one of them is hitting consistently, it makes no sense to platoon them, and we already have an insurance policy in Neil Walker (also Adam Lind for now). Unless Bird can remain health and productive, I don’t think the Yankees are gonna wait for him much longer

      Reply
      • Begamin

        7 years ago

        They barely start Austin as is and often opt to play Walker. You can imagine when Bird comes back that he gets most of the AB’s and Austin comes in against left handed pitchers. I can see Drury being super utility, getting regular AB’s playing everywhere so that you can keep Andujar on the club. Andujar is an aggressive swinger but that plays right into the plan when the 6, 7, 8 guys get a steady diet of fastballs after facing such a stacked lineup. Its why Torreyes has so much success jumping on pitchers early.

        Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          7 years ago

          No room for Austin if you’re gonna keep Drury.

          Reply
        • Begamin

          7 years ago

          No room for Walker you mean

          Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          7 years ago

          Let’s make a wager on who stays…

          Reply
        • Begamin

          7 years ago

          do you really think the guy with the .200 AVG stays over Austin and Drury? sheesh

          Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          7 years ago

          Yea seeing as Austin isn’t exactly lighting it up and I didn’t say Drury would go..sheesh. Walker is historically a slow starter and they signed him for both his versatility and veteran presence. Austin will probably be on the DL soon so this will be moot.

          Reply
      • thegreatcerealfamine

        7 years ago

        Exactly, why in the world would the Yankees even entertain trading one of the best defensive CF in MLB with a cannon for an arm. Frazier can’t stay healthy, Gardner has a weak arm, Ellsbury is on th 60 day DL, and Florial just reached A-adv and is playing horrible. Austin is pretty much a four-A player and Walker a switch-hitter is starting to come around. Cashman traded to get Drury for a reason and he’s only a little over a year Oder then Andujar, plus he’s got big league time under his belt. When Bird and Drury come back I’d like to see them send Austin down, keep Andujar, and trade Torreyes.

        Reply
  8. nitemare

    7 years ago

    Drury is still hurting. I don’t think he will be back for a long time. Austin will be sent down for bird

    Reply
    • thegreatcerealfamine

      7 years ago

      “Drury is still hurting. I don’t think he will be back for a long time” FYI..on WFAN yesterday Cashman stated Drury will be off the DL sooner then later. Yankees VP of baseball operations Tim Naehring was in the stands at Trenton to watch Drury Monday, after the game he got nothing but positives from the manager. The plan is to have Drury back the end of next week, so there’s that.

      Reply
      • Begamin

        7 years ago

        FYI Boone said today that Drury isnt where he and the Yankees want him to be, so theres that.

        Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          7 years ago

          Please provide the source for that.
          Mine-WFAN, Pinstripesalley, CBS.Com, River Avenue Blues, NJ.com all from yesterday…
          I’ve looked and couldn’t find anything on Boone, I’ll go with who’s in charge Cashman…so there’s that

          Reply
        • drjose

          7 years ago

          Just have to use google:

          rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingne…

          Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Wednesday that Brandon Drury (migraines) is going to stay in the minors.
          Boone says that Drury isn’t where here or the Yankees want him to be at this point.

          Reply
        • Begamin

          7 years ago

          thx drjose
          i saw bryan hoch report on it earlier but rotoworld works too:)

          cereal, did you think im just making stuff up?

          Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          7 years ago

          No, but I’m gonna stay with what Cash said. Maybe Boone was somewhat speaking out of turn, but player activations go though the FO anyway. Should be interesting to see what happens over the next week.

          Reply
  9. stansfield123

    7 years ago

    You gotta think that the Yankee starting infield is set in stone, barring injury. DH is taken as well, now that Gardner is out of his slump and likely to play every day.

    So they gotta option Drury, and see what happens: either someone gets hurt/ineffective and makes room for him, or they trade him for pitching at the deadline.

    As for Bird, he’s gonna take Austin’s spot on the roster, but you gotta think he’s competing with Walker for ABs against righties.

    And I have no idea what they’re gonna do to make room for Ellsbury.

    Reply
    • toptekjon

      7 years ago

      I think Bird is the everyday 1B as long as he’s healthy. I’d bet money on that. Cashman and everyone else that has a say, thinks the world of Bird. He’s their starting first basemen, when healthy. No question.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Pirates Reportedly Have Very Few Untouchable Players At Trade Deadline

    Griffin Canning Believed To Have Suffered Achilles Injury

    Mariners Looking For Corner Infield Bats; Ownership Willing To Bump Payroll

    Wander Franco Found Guilty Of Sexual Abuse

    Mariners Place Rowdy Tellez On Release Waivers

    Max Meyer To Undergo Season-Ending Hip Surgery

    Whit Merrifield Announces Retirement

    White Sox Sign Noah Syndergaard To Minor League Deal

    Corbin Carroll Placed On IL With Wrist Fracture

    Hoops Rumors Has The Latest On NBA Draft, Free Agency

    Mets Option Francisco Alvarez

    Reds To Promote Chase Burns For MLB Debut

    Recent

    Padres To Select Eduarniel Nunez

    Brewers’ Connor Thomas To Undergo Elbow Surgery

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Jorge Mateo To Miss 8 To 12 Weeks With Hamstring Strain

    Reds To Sign Buck Farmer To Minor League Deal

    Pirates Trade Hunter Stratton To Braves

    Rockies Designate Sam Hilliard For Assignment, Select Austin Nola

    Orioles Select Jacob Stallings, Designate Emmanuel Rivera For Assignment

    Rangers Select Billy McKinney, Transfer Tyler Mahle To 60-Day IL

    Marlins Claim Nick Nastrini

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version