MLB

Yankees news: Brian Cashman gets real on Luke Voit's situation

Following an injury-riddled season and the Anthony Rizzo trade, New York Yankees veteran Luke Voit has been demoted to the bench. Brian Cashman gave a scoop on his current status.

Luke Voit. (Getty)
Luke Voit. (Getty)

The New York Yankeeswere quite aggressive in their pursuit of stars during the MLB trade deadline. They landed a couple of lefty sluggers in Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo, as well as Andrew Heaney to try and solve their issues in the rotation.

But, as it’s happened with the Yankees lately, it seems like solving a problem just creates another for them. Instead of trying to land Trevor Story, they had to send Luke Voit to the bench despite being one of the best players on the team in recent years.

That’s why it’s kind of strange to see General Manager Brian Cashman – the same guy who traded with the Chicago Cubs for Rizzo – say that the team is being unfair to Voit by demoting him to a bench role.

Advertisement

Brian Cashman Says Yankees Are Being Unfair To Luke Voit

ā€œHe’s kind of like the NFL starting quarterback where he goes down early in the year, but by the time he gets back the position is now gone,ā€ the General Manager said during an interview for Sirius/XM’s MLB Network Radio.

ā€œLuke Voit has been out all year with injuries,ā€ Cashman said. ā€œHe’s unfortunately caught up in our obvious attempt to upgrade this roster and it’s unfair to him, but I was staring a decision of do I wait until he knocks the rust off or take the opportunity that’s in front of me acquiring Rizzo that really fits us?ā€

Advertisement

Cashman Says Injuries Took A Toll On Voit

ā€œObviously, the injuries have taken its toll this year and thankfully he’s healthy,ā€ the executive added. ā€œWe all know what Luke Voit is capable of as a hitter. He’s a masher. He’s on base with power. Obviously he was the home run champion in the American League last year and has impacted us in such a positive way for so many times.ā€

ā€œThis guy obviously can help us. The lane that used to be so obvious currently isn’t there, so obviously we are a lot deeper with everything we have. We have more choices, more protection because of it, but unfortunately right now he’s going to get some at-bats and do what he does best (in rehab games), which is crush it, and then we’ll see how he’s going to fit as we move forward,ā€ he concluded.

Advertisement

Voit has spent plenty of time on the shelf this season due to multiple injuries but it’s not like he was the issue with the Yankees. Obviously, adding a star like Rizzo is always exciting for fans, but maybe that wasn’t what the team needed to make the postseason. Or maybe they should’ve tried to trade Voit as well.

ALSO READ
NY Yankees’ Aaron Boone clarifies Luis Gil’s Opening Day status, citing a key condition
MLB

NY Yankees’ Aaron Boone clarifies Luis Gil’s Opening Day status, citing a key condition

NY Yankees, Aaron Boone see clear path for Randal Grichuk thanks to history vs left-handers
MLB

NY Yankees, Aaron Boone see clear path for Randal Grichuk thanks to history vs left-handers

Aaron Judge keeps focus before WBC showdown vs Dominican Republic: ā€˜USA on my chest’
MLB

Aaron Judge keeps focus before WBC showdown vs Dominican Republic: ā€˜USA on my chest’

Philadelphia Phillies adjust roster ahead of NY Yankees Spring Training game
MLB

Philadelphia Phillies adjust roster ahead of NY Yankees Spring Training game

Better Collective Logo