The New York Yankees optioned outfielder Spencer Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following Friday night's 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
The move opened a roster spot for right-hander Brendan Beck, who was recalled to make Saturday's spot start after Carlos Rodón landed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation.
Jones, 25, made his major league debut on May 8 after earning a promotion from Triple-A. The former first-round pick out of Vanderbilt University has spent his entire professional career in the Yankees organization and remains one of the club's top prospects because of his rare combination of power, speed and athleticism.
Through 30 major league games this season, Jones batted .233 with two home runs, seven RBIs, a .317 on-base percentage and one stolen base. He flashed his power potential during his first stint in the majors but also experienced expected growing pains with a high strikeout rate.
Before his promotion, Jones was one of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's top offensive performers. He hit .269 with 13 home runs, 48 RBIs and a .949 OPS, production that earned him his opportunity in the majors.
Saturday's transaction reflected New York's immediate roster needs rather than a change in Jones' long-term outlook. Beck's recall provided rotation depth after Rodón's injury, while Trent Grisham's recent return also reduced Jones' playing time in the Yankees' outfield.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Yankees entered Saturday with a 49-38 record, sitting second in the American League East as they continued their series against the Minnesota Twins. Maintaining pitching depth has become increasingly important with Rodón joining the club's growing list of injured arms.
Jones is expected to receive regular at-bats with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and remains one of the Yankees' top young talents. If he continues producing offensively, he could earn another call-up later this season as New York pushes toward the postseason.
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