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The Yankees’ infield is unsettled, with potential holes at first base, third and shortstop and Gleyber Torres at second base after the failed experiment at short.
Where DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela fit remains to be seen.
LeMahieu’s best spot is second base and Urshela’s is third, but LeMahieu could be forced to third base and the Yankees are going to upgrade at short.
“DJ, I think, gives us the flexibility to make some more strategic [roster] moves, whether it’s free agency or a trade,’’ Aaron Boone said during a Zoom call on Tuesday. “DJ is gonna be out there every day. He’s able to play third base, second base or even first base and you can kind of build the roster in that way.”
It’s the job LeMahieu was originally signed to fill when the Yankees surprised many by acquiring him as a free agent prior to the 2019 season.
Urshela said he was open to moving around the infield, as well.
The third baseman — who moved to short when Torres switched to second — was at Hackensack University Medical Center Children’s Hospital Tuesday, w here he visited sick children.
He said he’s prepared “to play everywhere. It doesn’t really matter for me. Wherever they want me to play.”
Urshela won’t be a free agent until 2024 and could be used as a trade chip, but said he wanted to stay with the Yankees, adding, “I can’t control that.”
After missing most of the season following wrist surgery, Aaron Hicks “is in position” to play winter ball, which he has expressed doing.
Brian Cashman said last week at the GM meetings that center field was a position he would look at this offseason. Hicks has four years remaining on the seven-year, $70 million deal he signed in 2019.
Boone said Hicks sent him video of himself swinging in the cage and Hicks said he “feels great.”
The Yankees would have to sign off on Hicks playing winter ball — something Gary Sanchez did last offseason.
“The biggest thing with Aaron is making sure he’s strong and healthy,’’ Boone said. “If that’s the case, we know we have [a] really good player.”
Boone said he expects Jameson Taillon (offseason ankle surgery) to be ready to be in the rotation by the time the regular season is scheduled to begin following.
“Five months [from surgery], he should be all the way back and that’s in line with the end of March or early April,’’ Boone said. “He should be throwing and getting off a mound in January or February.”
With the collective bargaining agreement all but certain to expire on Dec. 2 and a lockout to follow, there’s no guarantee that spring training or the regular season will start on time.
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