Yankees Recall Rookie Catcher to Replace Soon-To-Be Dad

The New York Yankees have called up rookie catcher Carlos Narváez after placing outfielder Alex Verdugo on the paternity list.

Alex Verdugo seemed to have found his stride before being placed on the paternity list. His tenure in the Bronx started off slow, but he’s played his way into the cleanup spot in the lineup. The veteran outfielder was acquired by the Yankees in December after spending the past four years with the Red Sox. On the season, Verdugo has batted .267/.358/.446 with four homers and 13 RBI. He went 5-for-15 with two homers and five RBI in New York’s series against Milwaukee before going on the paternity list.

Yankees Recall Carlos Narváez

The Yankees have called up Carlos Narváez to replace Verdugo for their series against the divisional rival Orioles. Narváez was 17 years old when he was signed by the Yankees as an international free agent in 2015. He was added to New York’s 40-man roster in November to keep him out of the Rule 5 draft. Now, the 25-year-old backstop will have a chance to make his major league debut.

Narváez has batted .211/.376/.342 two homers and 12 RBI in 76 at-bats with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. With Jose Trevino and Austin Wells sharing the Yankees’ catching duties, Narváez has not been needed in the majors. His limited experience at the infield corners could give him more opportunity to make his debut, but he isn’t expected to start against Baltimore.

Outfielder Alex Verdugo Placed on Paternity List

Even though Verdugo is unavailable, the Yankees still have plenty of ability to cover the outfield. Aaron Judge will make his first career start in left field with Trent Grisham in center and Juan Soto in right for Monday’s series opener. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has Giancarlo Stanton, Taylor Trammell and Jahmai Jones available as well. Paternity leave lasts for three days in the majors with most players missing between one and three games.

New York (19-10) currently holds a one-game lead over Baltimore (17-10) for first place in the American League East. The Orioles won the season series 7-6 over the Yankees last season and went on to win the divisional for the first time since 2014.