Yankees acquire Maybin from Indians
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ANAHEIM -- Cameron Maybin has already enjoyed one unforgettable day in the Bronx, collecting his first Major League hit and home run on Aug. 18, 2007, while facing Roger Clemens at the original Yankee Stadium. He's about to have the opportunity for more days in the sun.
The Yankees acquired Maybin from the Indians in exchange for cash considerations on Thursday, and the right-handed hitter is expected to be in uniform for New York's series finale against the Angels. Manager Aaron Boone said that he expects the 12-year veteran to make his debut on Friday against left-hander Madison Bumgarner and the Giants.
"I’m extremely excited about being a part of a storied franchise like this, with a group of guys who are trying to do something special every year," Maybin said. "I’m excited to hopefully provide a spark. I know they’re having some tough times with injuries."
Maybin's acquisition follows a left ankle injury to Clint Frazier, who landed on the 10-day injured list on Thursday. In order to create room on the 40-man roster for the 32-year-old Maybin, right-hander Luis Severino was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
In addition to Maybin, who is capable of playing all three outfield positions, the Yankees' outfield rotation now consists of Brett Gardner, Mike Tauchman and Tyler Wade. Thairo Estrada, an infielder, has been taking fly balls with outfield coach Reggie Willits this week. Along with Frazier, Yankees outfielders Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks and Jacoby Ellsbury are on the injured list.
• Here is when all the injured Yanks are due back
Maybin spent most of Spring Training with the Giants but was released on March 22. He then agreed to a Minor League deal with the Indians on March 29. In 14 games with Triple-A Columbus, Maybin had slashed .216/.388/.275 over 67 plate appearances.
"He has been getting on base," Boone said. "It's a veteran guy with a track record that can play the positions. Obviously, in our situation right now, that was something that attracted us."
A career .254/.322/.368 hitter, Maybin will be the fourth player since 2003 to hit his first career home run in the Bronx as a visitor before later playing for the Yankees, joining Chase Headley (2008), Adeiny Hechavarria (2012) and Didi Gregorius (2013).
"I’m always very gracious and appreciative, just being able to play the game," Maybin said. "I love the game, so my attitude is always gratitude. To be able to come here and be part of an organization like this, it’s special.”
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Gettin' Miggy
Miguel Andújar is scheduled to play four to five innings at third base in a game at extended spring training on Friday in Tampa, Fla., marking his first game action since sustaining a small tear in the labrum of his right shoulder on March 31.
"Hopefully he responds really well and continues to progress," Boone said. "We’ll see how these next few games go and how he’s able to bounce back."
Boone said that Troy Tulowitzki (left calf strain) could play in an extended spring game shortly after, and that both Andujar and Tulowitzki could be back on the big league roster within a week. Boone said he is also optimistic that Stanton (left shoulder discomfort) will not be shelved much longer, even after requiring a cortisone injection on Monday.
"I still think there’s a chance Giancarlo gets back quicker [than Tulowitzki]," Boone said. "He’ll join us in Arizona, and if everything was successful with the shot, he should ramp up pretty quick."
This date in Yankees history
April 25, 1967: Whitey Ford recorded his 236th and final career victory, an 11-2 win over the White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Ford remains atop the Yankees' all-time wins list, followed by Red Ruffing (231) and Andy Pettitte (219).