Just before spring training was set to officially kick off, the New York Yankees made an intriguing set of roster announcements.
On a day when the Yankees made an under-the-radar trade, the team made moves affecting a total of five players, four of whom could realistically still join the club for spring training.
As the Yankees formally announced on social media, New York acquired infielder Max Schuemann for right-handed pitcher Luis Burgos in a trade with the Athletics. As the corresponding move, outfielder Yanquiel Fernández was designated for assignment.
Meanwhile, the Yankees announced that two recently-waived players, right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel and infielder Braden Shewmake, had cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A. Both players also received non-roster invites to spring training.
The latter moves continue a positive trend for the Yankees, as outfielder Marco Luciano was another player the Yankees were able to keep on waivers last week. New York is undoubtedly hoping Fernández passes through, because he could be optioned to Triple-A when the regular season begins.
Hamel had been claimed off waivers by three other teams since September, and the Yankees have an option for him both this year and next. Shewmake is out of options, but because he had never been outrighted before, he is also available as non-roster depth and would not have to clear waivers at the end of spring training.
Though it’s unlikely the Yankees are banking on any of the players mentioned above to have a major impact on the upcoming season at the major league level, they all could independently prove to be important depth pieces if anyone gets injured in front of them.
More MLB: Yankees Cut Ties With 23-Year-Old in Near-Record Time: Report
