The New York Yankees will have to make the decision prior to the beginning of the second half on what to do with Rob Refsnyder. Though GM Brian Cashman declined to reveal the team's plan in a text on Monday, there is a pretty good chance Refsnyder stays, even as Brendan Ryan is eligible to return from the disabled list. Wallace Matthews already explained in detail what we saw from Refsnyder -- the good and the bad -- in the rookie's two-game audition in Boston. Though Refsnyder was brought up to face two left-handers, the Seattle Mariners have not yet named their weekend rotation. However, it is a sure bet that Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma will start the first two games. They are both right-handers. So here are the Yankees' options with Ryan possibly ready to return from his latest back injury: 1) The Yankees could remove Gregorio Petit. This would be the simplest and probably is the most likely route. The Yankees would then have Refsnyder, Stephen Drew and Ryan to man second, while backing up short and third. (Refsnyder only plays second.) 2) They could designate Ryan for assignment. He is on a $2 million contract. He also has a player option for next season for a million, which, considering he has barely played the last few years, he might pick-up. It seems possible the Yankees could designate Ryan -- meaning they could very well lose him entirely -- but most likely they keep him around to retain their organizational infield depth. 3) They could DFA Drew. Though Yankee fans want Drew gone, it is doubtful the Yankees would make such a move unless they were sure Refsnyder was the real deal. 4) They could return Refsnyder to Triple-A. They could spin it as they want him to continue progressing in the minors so he is even more prepared the next time he is recalled. My gut feeling is that Refsnyder stays with the big club as his energy and his bat could be assets in the second half. The team will try to determine where his transition from the outfield to second base stands at the major league level. It would not be surprising to see Refsnyder and Drew share the position until one of them takes control of second.
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