TAMPA — The Yankees appear to still be in the market for a proven utility player to add to their bench.
After signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Dodgers on Monday, Kiké Hernandez said Thursday the Yankees were his other finalist — another indication the team is still trying to improve its bench options.
“At the end, it came down to the Dodgers or Yankees,” Hernandez, a right-handed hitter, said on the “Foul Territory” podcast. “[The Dodgers] have a lot of left-handed hitters in their lineup. The main reason [I signed] was they were able to guarantee me to start at least against left-handed pitchers to start the year and then from there on, anything can happen.
“The Yankees have a really good lineup as well, just like the Dodgers, but they have a lot of right-handed hitters and their lefties are not platoon guys. So the only way for me to get in the lineup was to either give guys days off or in case somebody got hurt.”
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Hernandez “was certainly intrigued about coming here” before re-signing with the Dodgers.
The way the Yankees are currently constructed, Oswaldo Cabrera appears to be the leader in the clubhouse to fill the utility role.
But the switch hitter — who will take some left-on-left at-bats this season — will need to prove he can be more productive at the plate than last year, when he hit .211 with a .574 OPS across 330 plate appearances.
That may be one of two bench spots up for grabs, with outfielder Trent Grisham and a backup catcher (Austin Wells or Jose Trevino) expected to fill the other two spots.
Oswald Peraza is another candidate to serve as a backup infielder, but the Yankees could decide he would be better served getting everyday at-bats at Triple-A after also struggling offensively last season.
Other candidates for that role include Jorbit Vivas and Jahmai Jones (claimed off waivers on Wednesday without any minor league options remaining), plus non-roster invitees Kevin Smith, Jeter Downs or Josh VanMeter.
Peraza, after being scratched from Tuesday’s game with right shoulder tightness, could be back in game action by Friday. The infielder got some work in at the complex on Wednesday’s off day and went through workouts again on Thursday.
“Peraza’s good,” Boone said. “I’m kind of expecting him to play [Friday]. … When I talked to him today, he felt ready to go. With all that he did today, we’ll get through the day. But I think a chance you’ll see him back in there [Friday].”
Carlos Rodon will throw live batting practice Friday while Marcus Stroman will start Saturday’s game against the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla., with Nestor Cortes set to face the Tigers on Sunday at Steinbrenner Field.