Needing a roster spot for Wednesday night’s starter Jonathan Loaisiga the Yankees optioned utility man Tyler Wade to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The move leaves the Yankees, who recorded a stirring 5-4 comeback win over the Mariners at the Stadium, with a three-man bench and could be the precursor to Aaron Hicks coming off the injured list later in the week which would necessitate another roster move. Outfielder Mike Tauchman’s spot could be in jeopardy when Hicks resurfaces.
Hicks played in a second minor league rehab game for Single-A Tampa on Tuesday night and went 0-for-4. In the two games against Dunedin Hicks is 0-for-8. He was the DH on Tuesday night and is scheduled to play center field Wednesday.
Loaisiga is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three games (two starts) for the Yankees this season. Wade was batting .204 in 20 games.