The New York Yankees stayed put at the start at the trade deadline. The team was linked to a number of rumors including some of the biggest names on the market, but only ended up making one real deal which is not panning out for the best so far. The Yankees acquired Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners and has already landed on the disabled list. With doubt rising in his future, will the team make another trade?
According to the New York Post, Ackley is on the disabled list for a herniated disc. General manager Brian Cashman was quick to say the Seattle Mariners are not at fault for the injury, but it does leave the Yankees in a tight spot. After designating Garrett Jones to a different assignment, the Yankees have room to make a roster upgrade and could use August to pick someone up as several players remain available.
"Timing is everything, and we had bad timing in terms of when he had an issue materialize," Cashman said, via ESPN.com. "No complaints in Seattle, no tests, no issues, no treatment. He was a hot potato without realizing he was hot. The hot potato fell in our lap, but there was no knowledge on their part that there was something smoldering there. He wasn't getting any treatments."
According to New York Daily News' Andy Martino, the Yankees could become interested in Chase Utley who is still available and would be an upgrade over the struggling Stephen Drew. According to team sources, the Yankees watched Utley's rehab assignment as he prepares to be called back up. While his production is declining, he might be a better option than Drew in the second-half of the season. The only issue is taking on the $15 million he is owed this season.
NJ.com is reporting that Martin Prado could also develop into an option as many believe the utility man will be traded in August. If Prado is put on waivers by the Marlins, several teams will put a claim in on him. The infielder is set to earn $11 million this year. However, he plays every position very well and would fill a huge need for the Yankees who could use one more star defender on the roster.
Getting another bat is a priority over getting a pitcher. Despite the struggles of players like Ivan Nova, CC Sabathia is getting hot at the right time while Luis Severino is looking like the real deal. The Yankees might be able to ride that pitching rotation to the postseason, but getting someone like Utley or Prado could be the final x-factor they have been looking for.
