Even Yangervis Solarte is human.
The young infielder has gotten off to a fast start, but wound up hitting into a game-ending double play in Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to Baltimore in The Bronx.
Before the game, hitting coach Kevin Long said he liked what he saw from Solarte throughout spring training, when his bat and his versatility in the field put Eduardo Nunez’s job in peril.
But it was a conversation the hitting coach had with Solarte following his first major league at-bat that stands out most to Long.
“I asked him about it after it happened and that’s when I knew he would be OK,” Long said before Solarte started at third base again. “He went through each pitch — what each one was and where each one was. Most guys can’t remember anything about that first one.”
At this point, though, Long isn’t too surprised by Solarte’s success. Solarte spent eight seasons in the minors with Minnesota and Texas before finally getting to the majors out of spring training this year with the Yankees.
“What he did in spring training, you hoped he would take into the regular season,” Long said. “Since February 26, he’s pretty much looked the same. I know it’s a small sample in the big leagues, but since he’s been here, it’s been going on a long time.”
Solarte is also living well, adding a bloop single to left after collecting six doubles over his first seven games, while playing well defensively at third.
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David Robertson threw off flat ground for the first time Wednesday since straining his left groin and reported no problems. The Yankees recalled RHP Shane Greene from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for an extra arm in the bullpen after Vidal Nuno was extended in Tuesday’s loss to the Orioles.
Austin Romine was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room on the roster. Greene pitched well in the spring and had remained in Tampa for extended spring training. Manager Joe Girardi said Nuno could be available on Saturday.