Roster conundrums typically have a way of working themselves out.
The Yankees have shortstop Jose Caballero (fractured middle finger) nearing a return from the injured list on Friday, which means one of Anthony Volpe, Max Schuemann or Spencer Jones could be optioned back to the minor leagues.
But not so fast. On Wednesday night, the Yankees removed center fielder Trent Grisham from their game against the Toronto Blue Jays with left knee discomfort. He will undergo imaging on the knee.
Grisham recorded a bloop double in the bottom of the second inning and was seen running gingerly to second base. Although he stayed in the game initially, Jones replaced him in center field in the top of the fifth inning.
Grisham is off to a slow start at the plate in 2026 after claiming the Yankees' starting center field job last year. The 29-year-old is slashing just .174/.305/.348 with a .653 OPS, six home runs and 27 RBI in 49 games.
Grisham had a breakout year a season ago, smashing 34 homers, driving in 74 RBI and posting a .812 OPS in 143 games. As a result, the Yankees extended the $22.025 million qualifying offer to him in the offseason, which he accepted.
The Yankees will be hoping that Grisham doesn't have to miss an extended period of time with his knee injury.
However, if Grisham is forced to go on the IL, this would open up a spot for Caballero's return. It would also mean that Volpe, Schuemann and Jones get to stay on the 26-man MLB roster.
Should Grisham miss time, it would pave the way for Jones to receive regular playing time in center field. Jones, the Yankees' No. 6 ranked prospect, is just 3-for-21 (.143) to begin his big-league career. He does, however, have two RBI and could see added production with more at-bats.
