Andújar back with Yanks for first time since trade request

CLEVELAND — Miguel Andújar rejoined the Yankees as the 27th man for Saturday’s doubleheader against the Guardians, his first time walking into the Bombers’ clubhouse since requesting a trade last month. 

While saying that he preferred to keep those conversations private, the infielder-outfielder made it clear that he wants to keep wearing a big league uniform — no matter what organization that chance comes with.

“I really enjoy playing baseball and I really enjoy playing at this level,” Andújar said through an interpreter. “At the same time, I’ve just got to focus on what I can control. Let that be the main focus; keep playing as hard as I can. I know opportunities will come down the road at some point.”

Andújar, 27, asked the Yankees to trade him after he was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 3.

The Yankees have shuttled Andújar between Triple-A and the Majors four times this season; Andújar entered Saturday’s twin bill batting .268/.279/.317 with two doubles, three RBIs and three stolen bases in 12 Major League games. 

Andújar has hit well in Triple-A this year, where he owns a .316/.362/.485 slash line with seven homers and 27 RBIs in 45 games for the RailRiders.

“He’s gone down there and continued to perform and play well,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I’m sure it’s a difficult situation for him. But, to his credit, after getting sent down, he got down there and started getting after it right away.”

The Yankees are under no obligation to trade Andújar, who is signed for $1.3 million this year and has two more years of arbitration eligibility remaining.

“It’s not easy to have to go back when you feel like you belong here,” Boone said.

Andújar has seen time in left field and as a designated hitter in the Majors this season. He has also played the infield corners and outfield corners over his six-year big league career (2017-present).

His best season came as a rookie in 2018, when he batted .297/.328/.527 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs in 149 games, finishing second to the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.

“My goal is to keep playing as well as I can,” Andújar said. “I’ve been playing this sport for a long, long time. Ever since I was a little kid, it has been my passion. That doesn’t change.”