(Photo: Gabe Rodriguez)
When the New York Yankees went on their World Series run in 2009, outfielder Nick Swisher was an integral part of their success. His leadership both on and off the field is something that can’t be taught and his never give up attitude is something that diehard Yankee fans adore.
So, one must wonder, with the Yankees’ lackluster start to the 2016 regular season and the recent signing of the thirty-five year old Swisher to a one year Minor League deal, could he be the answer?
Swisher has fought injuries the past few seasons with both the Cleveland Indians and most recently the Atlanta Braves but with an entire Spring Training under his belt, he seems to be exactly where he needs to be.
After signing with the Yankees, he was assigned to play with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders on April 14, 2016. While Swisher is a very versatile player that can play every position around the diamond, the Yankees’ focus for him was to play mainly first base as added depth in case of an injury to Mark Teixeira, especially with Greg Bird still recovering from shoulder surgery.
The Yankees also seem to be getting Swisher time in the outfield now as well, he started in right filed on Monday night.Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Hicks suffered a shoulder injury last week, and although there hasn’t been a sign of putting him on the disabled list, giving Swisher time in the outfield might be the first step in moving that way.
Nick Swisher playing first base for the Railriders. (Photo: Gabe Rodriguez)
Designated hitter Alex Rodriguez is also nursing an oblique injury and although he hasn’t been put on the DL as of yet, it’s also another possibility of a roster spot that Swisher would need to prepare for.
As a switch-hitter he brings depth on both sides of the plate, currently hitting .361 in nine games with the Railriders with three homers and 6 RBIs.
With a nine game roadtrip ahead of the New York Yankees and two players recovering from injuries, it might be a solid move to add a veteran player who has had success with this team in the past for a little more assurance.
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