Estevan Florial is getting another shot to help the Yankees’ depleted outfield.
After passing him over for a promotion multiple times in the past week, the Yankees called up Florial on Tuesday before hosting the Phillies. The former top prospect took the roster spot of the recently called up Trey Amburgey, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain suffered in Sunday’s win over the Red Sox.
The call-up is the third of Florial’s career — the other two being one-game cameos, including the latest one in May. The 23-year-old, whose development has been hindered by injuries in recent years, was batting .211 with eight home runs and a .719 OPS in 43 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Since going back to Triple-A in May, Florial had been waiting for another shot while lately seeing other SWB outfielders get their opportunity. Since the All-Star break alone, the Yankees have called up Amburgey, Greg Allen and Ryan LaMarre to provide outfield depth while even using another new call-up, Hoy Park, in right field for part of one game.
“The biggest thing for [Florial] is [staying] healthy and getting those regular reps,” Boone said Sunday. “He’s had some ups and downs certainly down there, but the biggest thing is he’s been able to play regularly. Hopefully he’s in store for a big second half.
“[Florial’s] development’s important. The guys that have gotten called up to this point have been in line and earned that spot.”
Amburgey, meanwhile, became the sixth Yankees outfielder to hit the IL, joining Aaron Judge (COVID), Aaron Hicks (season-ending wrist surgery), Clint Frazier (vision), Miguel Andujar (wrist) and Tim Locastro (torn ACL).