Despite scoring the only run for the New York Yankees in a thrilling 1-0 win over the Kansas City Royals, one insider believes that veteran second baseman Pablo Reyes could find his roster spot in danger.
Reyes came through huge for the Yankees in their series-clinching win over the Royals, leading off with an eighth-inning single and scoring after Paul Goldschmidt’s line drive deflected off first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino’s glove and trickled into the outfield.
SNY’s Phillip Martinez wrote after the game that despite the huge performance from Reyes, the 31-year-old’s “spot on the team is in jeopardy” if the Yankees need to clear any roster space.
Pablo Reyes Not Worried About His Future
Reyes was asked after the game whether he’s worried about his tenuous spot on the roster, but said he can only focus on his preparation and leave those decisions to the front office.
“The way I look at it, thatâs something I canât control. Movements like that, thatâs for the front office,” Reyes said. “For me, what I can control is come in here, prepare every day the right way, work hard every day and prepare for opportunities like this tonight.”
The Yankees face a looming decision on how to clear space for slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who has begun a rehab assignment and is expected back in the Bronx in a matter of days. Martinez suggested that Reyes could end up on the wrong side of the roster bubble when Stanton comes back to the Bronx.
Yankees Happy With the Win
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the victory over the Royals that he was happy to leave Kansas City with the win, especially after enduring a rain delay and knowing that a flight was waiting for the team to start their home series against the Boston Red Sox.
Boone added that Reyes’ lone run was an odd play, but he won’t question the win.
“Weâll take it,” Boone said. “We only scored one run tonight. I thought we had a lot of good at-bats. Number of guys in the lineup stung the ball; we just couldnât break through. Some good at-bats off Erceg [in that inning] to punch through.
“Thereâs a rain delay, it’s getaway night. To grab a run right there, especially Pablo. Him starting it off, leadoff hit and coming around to score. Weâre all excited for him.”
Reyes added that his game-winning run came amid a chaotic play, admitting that he didn’t realize at first that the ball had squirted so far away from Pasquantino and that pitcher Lucas Erceg hesitated with the chance to throw Reyes out at home plate.
“Thereâs two outs, so in my mind, just do anything I can to score,” Reyes said of the play, speaking through an interpreter. “I lost my balance there and at the same time, I heard [third base coach] Luis Rojas telling me, âkeep going, keep going.â I noticed there was hesitation on the pitcher, and just kept going and did the best I could there.”
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