Home

MLB

“A Yankees Thing to Do…”: New York Yankees Fans Express Shock as Struggling Backup Player Makes Shocking Position Change in Practice

Published 05/13/2023, 2:20 PM EDT

Follow Us

Injuries have been a massive problem this MLB season. Notably, the New York Yankees have suffered from players being on the injured list this season. It has forced them into a tight spot with holes in multiple positions. Furthermore, the team’s form has suffered as they failed to build momentum. Most recently, fans were shocked as a struggling backup player practiced a new position.

Injuries and a somewhat lackluster off-season have limited the options that the Yankees have. Multiple positions look weak and devoid of talent. This most recent incident of a backup player trying a new position points toward just that.

New York Yankees backup catcher Kyle Higashioka practices at second base

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Injuries and bad form have severely hampered the Yankees’ 2023 season thus far. Positions in both the infield and outfield are weak and need new options. Most recently, backup catcher Kyle Higashioka practiced at second base. This is a new position for Higashioka as he has not played any position other than catcher in MLB. Fans expressed shock at this latest development and criticized the team heavily. MLB insider Chris Kirschner shared a video of the catcher’s infield practice on Twitter. 

In a Tweet, Kirschner said, “Kyle Higashioka taking grounders at second”. This is a massive change for Higashioka if it does take place. He has no MLB experience at the position and it will be a major risk. But there are no indicators that the Yankees intend to use the backup catcher in the infield. It may be a last resort option for dire situations. Only time will tell.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The reactions to the development have been mostly negative.

Some fans criticized the Yankees for playing players out of position but also expected such a move from the team.

Other fans criticized the front office and the management.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It has truly been a disappointing 2023 season for the Bronx Bombers thus far. Injuries have pushed the team into a difficult position with results not going their way. Furthermore, drastic measures may be taken to help the Yankees improve. But Higashioka is not the only Bombers player to practice a new position this season.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge practiced the left field position

This off-season the Yankees failed to bring in sufficient talent. This has left holes in several positions. One of those happens to be left field, with Aaron Hicks struggling and under fire. Durings spring training, Yankees’ captain Aaron Judge practiced left field to give the team more options. Judge has not played the position in MLB yet. In fact, he has not suited up at left field since his college days. Although the Yankees’ captain has not played in the left field this season, he has practiced it and may find himself there further down the road.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: Top 5 most electrifying home runs by New York Yankees star Aaron Judge 

What do you think about New York Yankees backup catcher Kyle Higashioka practicing at second base? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Pranay Mukherjee

1,190Articles

One take at a time

Pranay Mukherjee is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports, with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His expertise lies in cheat sheets, post-game analysis, and trade rumors, providing readers with comprehensive coverage of the sport. Pranay is an avid follower of baseball and is a staunch supporter of the Yankees, firmly believing that it is time for the New York team to break their World Series jinx.
Show More>

Edited by:

Debmallya Chakraborty