Yankees third base/second base prospect David Adams has been called up today on his birthday now that he is eligible to be added to the 40-man roster. The often-injured minor leaguer was once highly regarded in the organization before a series of injuries derailed his career. You'll remember that his ankle injury was what held up the Cliff Lee trade from a few years back.
He missed most of Spring Training with a back injury and, during the Yankees' roster crunch to start the year, was released by the organization in order to use his 40-man roster spot for someone else. The move was seen as a complete surprise by everyone, including Adams, but the Yankees re-signed the 26-year-old to a new contract. As part of the stipulation for being released and signing with the same team, he had to wait a month before he was eligible again to be put on the roster.
He seems to be putting everything together in 2013 as he's batted .316/.407/.490 in 113 plate appearances in Triple-A. Adams is also hitting .333/.412/.567 against left-handers this year and will look the improve the Yankees' lineup against southpaws. The Yankees as a team are currently hitting .227/.299.356 against lefties, so Adams can only help.
Since David Adams will be playing third base, Chris Nelson was designated for assignment to make room for him on the 25-man roster.