HOUSTON — Clint Frazier will be the latest, but certainly not the last, Yankees prospect to make it to the major leagues this year when he arrives from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.
Acquired with lefty pitcher Justus Sheffield from the Indians last July for Andrew Miller, the right-handed-hitting outfielder will join a team crushed by injuries to key players hanging with the Red Sox in the AL East.
While manager Joe Girardi wouldn’t confirm the move, Frazier is expected to be in pinstripes for Saturday night’s game against the Astros at Minute Maid Field.
“If he is here [Saturday], I will let you know,’’ Girardi said of Frazier.
Without mentioning Frazier’s name, Girardi gave a strong indication he will play regularly, which was the plan for Dustin Fowler until he tore up his right knee in his major league debut Thursday night in Chicago and needed surgery.
“If you bring up a player you foresee as an everyday player, he will play,” Girardi said.
Frazier’s playing time could come as part of a four-man outfield rotation until Aaron Hicks, who excelled in a three-man setup, returns from the disabled list.
Frazier will be the sixth Yankees minor leaguer promoted in six days.
Right-hander Ronald Herrera, 22, arrived Monday from Double-A Trenton. On Tuesday, from Triple-A, it was 22-year-old Tyler Wade, a shortstop by trade who has learned to play three infield positions — and played right field Friday. Third baseman Miguel Andujar, 22, arrived Wednesday from Triple-A and went 3-for-4 with four RBIs in his major league debut as a DH. He was sent back to SWB to make room for Fowler on Thursday, but resurfaced Friday to replace Fowler.
Frazier, 22, created a stir in spring training when he arrived with a head of red hair that flowed down the back of his neck and almost touched his jersey. Eventually, and after CC Sabathia began growing a light beard, Frazier trimmed his hair.
In 73 games at Triple-A, Frazier batted .257 (70-for-272) with 12 homers, 42 RBIs and a .819 OPS. He was the fifth pick in the 2013 draft by the Indians.
Sabathia said he felt nothing in the left hamstring after throwing a 50-pitch simulated game Thursday in Chicago.
“I am expecting it will be fine,” Sabathia said before the Yankees beat the Astros 13-4 on Friday night.
Girardi is confident Sabathia won’t require a minor league rehab outing before returning to the Yankees’ rotation.
“He will probably throw a bullpen [Saturday] and see where we are at,’’ Girardi said. “I feel pretty good about him going back, but I want to make sure. I think it’s pretty safe we will schedule him [for a start].”
Sabathia, who last pitched on June 13 in Anaheim, Calif., is 7-2 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 starts.
Andujar wasn’t in Friday night’s lineup against Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. because Girardi used Aaron Judge as the DH for the second straight game.
“I think it is important to give Judge another DH day, he is not hurt,” Girardi said of the AL’s leading hitter in a dozen categories including homers (27), RBIs (62) and batting average (.331) going into the game against the Astros where he went 0-for-4. “I am just trying to play him every day in this stretch. I will probably DH him one more time in the next five games after this.”
Judged walked twice and has reached base safely for the 32nd straight game.
Asked by a Houston journalist about some insight on Judge, Girardi showered him with high praise.
“As well as he has played on the field he is better off the field. He is a leader and plays hard every day,” Girardi said.
Girardi was going to catch Gary Sanchez on Friday, but when the Yankees arrived at the team hotel around 6 a.m. the manager decided to go with Austin Romine behind the plate.
“My plan was to play him [Friday], but when you get in at 6:15 in the morning you have to think about it,” said Girardi, who knows Sanchez’ groin problem is lingering. “I was going to give him [Saturday] completely off but now I am leaning toward DHing him and keeping Romine with [Jordan] Montgomery.”
Not much has changed with Matt Holliday, who is on the DL with a viral infection.
“There are still moments when he feels pretty good and moments when he feels he is wiped out,’’ Girardi said of the DH. “They continue to do things, tests to see what is going on.”
Reliever Tyler Clippard wasn’t at the ballpark Friday. He was attending his grandmother’s funeral. Clippard is expected back Saturday.
Bryan Mitchell was recalled from Triple-A on Friday and Herrera was sent to down. Mitchell worked the final three innings for a save.