On Sunday evening, the club revealed that they had optioned outfielder Duke Ellis, who was mainly used as a pinch runner, to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
While the corresponding move wasn’t immediately announced, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch confirmed that the Yankees were anticipated to activate veteran infielder Jon Berti from the injured list on Monday.
Berti, 34, has played in 17 games since joining the Yankees in a three-team trade on March 27. Prior to his injury on May 25, which led him to the injured list with a strained left calf, he posted a .273/.322/.327 line with one home run, six RBIs, and four stolen bases over 60 plate appearances. On June 12, he was moved to the 60-day IL.
Initially, Berti primarily played third base for the Yankees, but his versatility allows him to fill various roles as the season progresses. Over his seven-year MLB career, he has also played shortstop, second base, and all three outfield positions. With no fixed position for him to start regularly, he is expected to contribute in multiple roles, a plan already evident from his recent rehab games.
During a 14-game rehab stint with Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Berti spent 62 innings in the outfield and 21 innings in the infield, sometimes switching positions mid-game. He has performed well offensively, posting an .874 OPS during this period. In his last four Triple-A games, he went 9-for-17 with a double, a home run, two RBIs, and six runs scored.
Given the Yankees’ difficulties against left-handed pitchers this season, adding a right-handed bat who can play multiple positions could benefit manager Aaron Boone. Although Berti is not as prolific on the basepaths as he was in 2022, when he stole 41 bases, he remains a capable runner and offers more offensive potential than Ellis.
With the Yankees (82-61) narrowly leading the AL East by half a game over the Baltimore Orioles (82-62) and only a few weeks left in the regular season, they are opting for a versatile player like Berti over top prospect Jasson Domínguez. The team believes that Berti’s ability to play multiple roles off the bench is more valuable at this stage.
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