Andujar extends XBH streak to 7 games
Prospect producing while Drury progresses
NEW YORK -- Miguel Andujar's historic extra-base hit streak is turning heads throughout the Major Leagues, but it has come as no surprise to Aaron Judge, who saw the hot-hitting infielder go on similar tears during their 2014 season together with Class A Charleston.
"He was pretty young for that league, but he was just consistent every day," Judge said after the Yankees' 14-1 win over the Twins. "If he was 4-for-4 or 0-for-4, he had this demeanor about him that he was always the same. He went out to play every day, and when you've got guys with that type of attitude, they're going to play at this level and be consistent at this level. That's what I saw out of Miggy at a young age."
The 23-year-old Andujar has etched his name alongside Yankees royalty, homering with a double on Monday to make it seven straight games with an extra-base hit. Joe DiMaggio (1937) and Mickey Mantle (1955) were the only previous Yankees to string seven consecutive games with an extra-base hit before age 24.
"Right now, it's about sticking to the plan and going out there with an approach and staying with that," Andujar said. "Just looking for a good pitch to hit and make sure that I make good contact."
Andujar is tied with the Pirates' Corey Dickerson for the longest extra-base hit streak in the Majors this season. Andujar is batting .517/.533/1.172 (15-for-29) over the stretch with eight runs, eight doubles, a triple, three homers and eight RBIs. His 14 career extra-base hits are the second-most by a Yankee through 19 career games; DiMaggio had 16.
"He's a really gifted hitter," manager Aaron Boone said. "He's gotten comfortable, and now we're seeing what a gifted hitter can do."
Comeback trail
The Yankees are pleased that they appear to have an answer for what has kept Brandon Drury out of the lineup, and the infielder has been tabbed to play in a Minor League rehab game on Wednesday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Columbus.
Sidelined by severe migraines that caused blurry vision, Drury said that a battery of tests revealed his issues stem from a tendon that runs from the back of his neck to the top of his head. He has been receiving treatment with acupuncture and stimulation.
"I think they have an idea of what it is, and we're going after it each day to figure out how to get it a little bit better," Drury said. "I've had it for a while. It's just nice to have some answers of what it is. Hopefully, I can really get back to 100 percent and play the way I know I can."
Return to action
Clint Frazier was back in a lineup on Monday for the first time since late February, playing five innings and logging five at-bats in an extended spring game in Clearwater, Fla.
Prior to that contest, Frazier had not taken the field in a game situation since sustaining a concussion in the Yankees' second game of the spring. Boone said that Frazier got a hit, reached on an error and stole a base, coming out feeling "really good."
"It's a really positive step for him," Boone said. "Clint feels like he's finally through it and on his way now. Now it's about getting games under his belt and bouncing back every day."
Boone said that Frazier is scheduled to play in another extended spring game on Tuesday, then work out with Class A Advanced Tampa on Wednesday before playing on Thursday against Charlotte.
Slow going
Frazier has moved ahead of Jacoby Ellsbury, who has no set date to play in Minor League games. Ellsbury played in six Grapefruit League games this spring and has since dealt with a right oblique strain, left hip soreness and plantar fasciitis in his right heel.
"I do expect him to be a player for us at some point this season," Boone said. "He is doing baseball activities and moving in the right direction. As far as a timetable, I'd kind of be guessing at that."
Bombers bits
• Boone said that the Yankees expect a ruling "in the next couple of days" regarding infielder/outfielder Christopher Austin, who is continuing to play following his appeal of a five-game suspension for his role in an April 11 benches-clearing incident against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
• The first 18,000 guests on Monday received bobbleheads in commemoration of David Wells' perfect game, which was pitched against the Twins 20 years ago (with a 10-year-old Dellin Betances in the bleachers). Wells was on hand at Yankee Stadium to throw out Monday's ceremonial first pitch.