Boone clears the air: No Yankees guarantees of Vivas taking over Torres

The New York Yankees have called up infielder Jorvit Vivas to the major league roster, replacing the injured J.D. Davis. This led Randy Miller of NJ Media to question if he is going to replace Gleyber Torres at the second base for good.

However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s comments suggest the team is yet to consider Vivas to replace their second baseman. He also hinted that Vivas’ time with the team could be short, possibly extending only through the weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles leading up to the All-Star break.

“There could be a start for him this weekend, but no guarantees,” the manager said. “Just going to let the weekend play [out]. But he’s got some pop in the bat, can move well, he’s a good athlete. There were probably a few guys in consideration and he’s the guy that’s definitely earned the right to be here.”

Boone did not commit to a specific role for Vivas, a 23-year-old who plays both second and third base. While Vivas might get a start during the weekend, the Yankees skipper offered no guarantees. He praised Vivas for his offensive skills, athleticism, and defensive versatility.

Contrary to rumors, Vivas’ promotion is not tied to Gleyber Torres’ performance at second base. Instead, it serves as a temporary measure to bolster the bench. The Venezuelan prospect now has the opportunity to make his major league debut during this series, though his tenure with the Yankees might be confined to just these three games before the break.

The Yankees have elevated left-handed hitter Vivas from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He, who has been hitting .258 with a .828 OPS across 37 games, has shown remarkable improvement recently, boasting a .333 average, a 1.113 OPS, and five home runs over his last 19 games.

Manager Boone highlighted Vivas’ versatility, noting that while he is primarily a second baseman, he has been seeing more action at third base. Boone expressed confidence in Vivas’ ability to handle third base if required, despite his ongoing adjustment to the position.

Despite recent struggles from Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu, the Yankees manager suggested that Vivas’ promotion was likely a short-term move. Davis is expected to return from the injured list for the season’s second half.

Vivas, who was acquired from the Dodgers in December, is reportedly eager for his potential major league debut at Camden Yards, reflecting on his journey since last being with the big league club.

Vivas just one of many on Yankees’ wish list

The Yankees opted to promote 23-year-old Jorbit Vivas instead of shortstop Oswald Peraza, despite Peraza’s prior major league experience. Manager Aaron Boone explained that Vivas earned his spot with his recent performance, highlighted by a .346 batting average, four home runs, and 11 RBIs over his last 15 games at Triple-A.

Vivas’ journey to this promotion included a significant hurdle. On the final day of spring training, he sustained a fractured left orbital bone when a resistance band snapped and hit him near the eye during a workout. Speaking through an interpreter, Vivas described the incident as frightening and acknowledged it could have been more serious. Despite this setback, he remained determined to recover and return to the field.

After a brief comeback in late April, Vivas encountered complications from the injury, necessitating another stint on the Injured List. He fully returned by late May, and his performance has been on an upward trajectory with more at-bats.

Boone mentioned that multiple players were considered for the promotion, but Vivas’ recent achievements made him the clear choice.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hitting coach Trevor Amicone detailed Jorbit Vivas’ recovery from his orbital fracture, emphasizing the psychological toll such an injury can take on a batter’s vision and confidence. Amicone noted that Vivas’ early weeks with the team were challenging due to his recovery process and the adjustment to a new organization and level of play. However, he expressed satisfaction with Vivas’ recent performance, which aligns with the team’s expectations.

Joe Migliaccio, the Yankees’ minor league hitting coordinator, praised Vivas’ recent form, stating it reflects the potential they saw when they acquired him. Migliaccio described Vivas’ hitting style as controlled yet powerful, especially impressive given his 5-foot-9 stature.

The Yankees believe Vivas’ power could be particularly impactful at Yankee Stadium. Ranked as the Yankees’ 15th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, Vivas was acquired from the Dodgers in December along with reliever Victor Gonzalez in exchange for shortstop prospect Trey Sweeney.

These observations from the coaching staff highlight Vivas’ resilience in overcoming injury and adapting to a new team, while also underscoring the potential they see in his hitting abilities.

The New York Yankees got their first look at Jorbit Vivas during spring training, where he posted a .217 average with two home runs over 15 Grapefruit League games before a fractured orbital bone sidelined him. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the injury’s initial severity but noted that Vivas has since recovered without any lasting issues.

Though Vivas is primarily a second baseman, he has diversified his defensive play this season, starting 11 games at third base despite his arm being better suited for second. His strengths lie in his batting and baserunning abilities.

Vivas expressed excitement about joining the Yankees, calling them one of the best teams in baseball history. While his specific role hasn’t been defined, he stated that he’s ready to contribute in any way he can.

Boone did not detail how much playing time Vivas would receive during this stint but highlighted the young player’s readiness and potential impact on the team. This call-up offers Vivas a significant chance to demonstrate his abilities at the major league level, no matter how long he remains with the club.

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