Yankees designate outfielder Randal Grichuk for assignment

AL EastBlue JaysOriolesRaysRed SoxYankeesAL CentralGuardiansRoyalsTigersTwinsWhite SoxAL WestAngelsAstrosAthleticsMarinersRangersNL EastBravesMarlinsMetsNationalsPhilliesNL CentralBrewersCardinalsCubsPiratesRedsNL WestDiamondbacksDodgersGiantsPadresRockiesScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsThe Windup NewsletterFantasyMLB ProspectsMLB OddsMLB PicksPower RankingsFans Speak UpMLB Season Grichuk, a roster crunch casualty, posted a .535 OPS in 33 plate appearances with the Yankees. Winslow Townson / Getty Images Share articleARLINGTON, Texas — Randal Grichuk knew his time with the New York Yankees might be short because a roster crunch was coming. It arrived on Wednesday morning. The Yankees announced that they designated Grichuk for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster for Elmer Rodríguez, who will make his MLB debut against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday afternoon. Grichuk posted a .535 OPS in 33 plate appearances, but the outfielder was starting to hit better as of late. It’s possible he could clear waivers, which would give the Yankees an opportunity to keep him in the organization. But given that Grichuk is a veteran with over five years of service time, he could refuse a minor-league assignment and elect to become a free agent instead. Moving on from Grichuk allows Jasson Domínguez to remain in the majors until at least Giancarlo Stanton’s return from the injured list. The Yankees were facing a looming roster decision for Anthony Volpe’s imminent return from his rehab assignment, but the moves have become clearer. Max Schuemann, who was promoted after Stanton was placed on the IL, will likely return to the minors to make room for Volpe. And Domínguez will likely be the corresponding move for Stanton’s activation, if no one gets hurt before then. With Grichuk no longer on the roster, the Yankees won’t have a true backup outfielder if Domínguez eventually gets sent back to the minors. Amed Rosario and José Caballero are natural infielders but have outfield experience. They will likely get more reps in the outfield when that time comes. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms