MINNEAPOLIS — When the Yankees acquired Brandon Drury in February from the Diamondbacks, their scouting staff believed the infielder had more ability than he had shown in two-plus big league seasons, and thought the growth would turn him into a solid third baseman.
They believed the same thing about Didi Gregorius when they got him from the Diamondbacks before the 2015 season and he developed into an elite shortstop.
Six games into this season, Drury went on the disabled list due to migraine headaches and blurred vision. Enter Miguel Andujar, who hit so well that, when Drury was healthy enough to play, he was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 15.
Almost a month later, Drury was summoned to the big leagues and made five starts (two at first, two at second and one at third) before heading to SWB on July 9. Eleven days later, Drury returned, started two games at second and was included in the deal that brought J.A. Happ from the Blue Jays on July 26.
Yes, the migraines and headaches played a part in Drury not working out in The Bronx, but the main reason the 26-year-old became expendable was Andujar’s bat, which is the prime reason he is a serious candidate to win the AL Rookie of the Year award.
Inserted into the starting lineup for the first time on April 5, the 23-year-old third baseman has become an integral part of the Yankees’ lineup that has been without Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge for long stretches.
“He has had so many big hits,’’ manager Aaron Boone said of Andujar, who led Yankee regulars (not counting Judge) with a .521 slugging percentage, hits (151), doubles (40), was second to Giancarlo Stanton in total bases (264), second to Stanton in RBIs (79), second to Stanton in games played (156) and second to Gleyber Torres in batting average (.292) with runners in scoring position entering Tuesday night’s game against the Twins at Target Field. “You look back on the year he has had right in the middle of our lineup.’’
When Drury showed up in Tampa for spring training, Andujar didn’t flinch, saying he hoped Drury would help the Yankees win before he disappeared to a back field to work on his defense and a batting cage to hone a stroke that produced a team-leading .298 average and 23 homers entering Tuesday night’s action.
Those who watch the Yankees’ early workouts at 2 p.m. notice Andujar is a regular in the exercises. He doesn’t hit much but works on his defense, which depending on who you talk to is adequate to below average due to an erratic arm.
When he takes grounders at third in the early workouts and during batting practice, Andujar throws from straight over the top with accuracy and velocity. Then in the games he often drops down on throws to first and watches the ball tail away from the first baseman. Andujar’s 15 errors are second on the club to fellow AL Rookie of the Year candidate Torres (16).
“There is a lot that goes with being a really good big league player. It’s not just roll your talent out there,’’ said Boone, who played Andujar’s position for parts of 12 major league seasons.
“There is stuff you have to deal with day in and day out, a physical toll, the mental toll and the grind of it all. Seeing other elite players able to make adjustments to what you are doing and to be able to have the stamina every day and as consistently as he has done it while continuing to work on his game, just really proud of the season he has put forth to this point.’’
Based on his minor league numbers the Yankees believed Andujar would hit in the big leagues. So did other teams. The Pirates’ reports on him were strong and they were interested in getting him if they dealt Gerrit Cole to the Yankees. Instead, Cole went to the Astros, Drury came to the Yankees, Andujar made him replaceable and Drury was dealt for Happ, who is a strong candidate to start the AL wild-card game against the A’s on Oct. 3.