Yankees option Clint Frazier to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

The looming roster crunch finally arrived. Following Sunday afternoon’s game, Aaron Boone told reporters that the Yankees optioned Clint Frazier to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This move makes room for Edwin Encarnacion, who will join the club for tomorrow’s game against the Rays.

Frazier, 24, broke out for the Yankees this season. The outfielder hit .283/.330/.513 with 11 home runs across 209 plate appearances. His 119 wRC+ situates him as a decidedly above-average hitter. When a number of outfielders went down in April, Frazier stepped right in as an impact bat.

There were low points to his stay on the team, however, including a plethora of defensive miscues and a high-profile spat with the beat reporters. Brian Cashman, however, defended Frazier afterwards. In a recent interview he said that “...if you decide to go the other way and fight back and push through and create turbulence, at the end of the day, your performance is going to speak for itself. The one thing that’s been really exciting is how he’s played since that. He’s really swung the bat well.”

Ultimately, the team decided that Frazier needs to play every day. He doesn’t profile as a fourth outfielder, so he will get plenty of at-bats with the RailRiders. His option years also help, as someone like Cameron Maybin would have to be designated for assignment.

What do you think about the decision to option Frazier? Let us know in the comment section!