The Yankees have introduced again infielder Andrew Velazquez on a minor league contract with a non-roster Spring Coaching invite, studies Jack Curry of the YES Community. The CAA shopper is a Bronx native who appeared for his hometown workforce in 2021.
Velazquez, 30, has performed for 5 groups over an enormous league profession spanning elements of six seasons. Practically half his enjoying time got here as a member of the Angels in 2023. Velazquez appeared in a personal-high 125 contests that yr. He hit .196 with a .236 on-base share however performed nice protection in additional than 900 shortstop innings. His defensive grades slipped the next yr and the Angels waived him that September.
Previous to his almost two years in Orange County, he’d made temporary appearances with the Rays, Cleveland, Orioles and Yankees. Velazquez hit .224 over 28 video games in pinstripes 4 years in the past. He performed all of final season in Triple-A with the Braves after signing an offseason minor league contract. Whereas he hit 16 homers and stole 33 bases, his total offense was mediocre. Velazquez struck out almost a 3rd of the time whereas hitting .242/.298/.394 by means of 473 plate appearances with Atlanta’s highest affiliate.
The switch-hitting Velazquez is a profession .189/.244/.293 hitter in 624 large league plate appearances. His glove is the promoting level. He has logged almost 1500 main league innings at shortstop. Velazquez performed each center infield positions and all three outfield spots in Triple-A final yr. He’ll possible start subsequent season at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as a flexible depth possibility.
