Miguel Andujar ‘ready to go’ at Yankees camp days after being robbed
TAMPA — Miguel Andujar reported to camp on Sunday and took part in voluntary workouts after being robbed at gunpoint at his farm in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.
“I saw him this morning, and he was good,’’ Aaron Boone said of Andujar, who was beaten by two individuals and robbed of a gold chain that was valued at around $7,000. The assailants also allegedly fired three bullets, none of which hit Andujar.
“Obviously, it was very scary,’’ Boone said of the incident. “It’s something we’ll continue to talk to him and support him as he needs. He seems ready to go.”
The 27-year-old Andujar worked at third base as he tries to find a spot with the Yankees following three ugly, injury-filled seasons since his breakout rookie year in 2018. Last season, he spent time at first base and left field, in addition to third.
Some players hadn’t reported as of Sunday, including right-hander Albert Abreu, who Boone said was dealing with visa issues, and Estevan Florial.
Weather also delayed some players’ arrival to Tampa, according to Boone.
Top prospect Anthony Volpe played a minor league spring training game at second base on Sunday at the Player Development complex. The Yankees still see the 20-year-old as a shortstop, and he’s spent all but five of his 143 professional games at either shortstop or DH. But with fellow prospect Oswald Peraza also at short, there’s been thought the Yankees might move Volpe.
Barring a trade that involves either player this spring, Peraza is likely headed to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with Volpe at Double-A Somerset.
With a shortened spring training, there will be some differences in how the coaches and training staff handle preparation for the season.
“Not having any eyes or hands on them the last few months [due to the MLB lockout], there’s urgency that exists with the calendar that’s gonna create some pressure to get ready,’’ Boone said.
And he acknowledged there will be challenges in keeping players healthy with reduced time to prepare for the season — something the sport also dealt with in 2020 following the COVID-19 shutdown.
“It’s important to have an honest evaluation from strength conditioning and training and guys giving us honest feedback about where they’re at,” the manager said. Boone was pleased to even get the three-plus weeks before Opening Day.
“I feel like it’s not perfect, but there’s enough time there,’’ Boone said. “As I was watching all this unfold and seeing the days go away and the lockout carry on longer, [I thought], ‘Are we gonna get in two weeks of games?’ ”
Instead they’ll get almost three weeks.
“It’s something we can make work,’’ Boone said.
Jameson Taillon, coming off offseason ankle surgery, was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday and is “doing well,” according to Boone.