TAMPA — There is no other way to explain Yangervis Solarte beating out Eduardo Nunez for the second backup infield spot than this: Solarte, a non-roster invite to camp, outplayed Nunez.
If the 26-year-old switch-hitting Solarte makes it to Opening Day on Tuesday in Houston — and around the Yankees that isn’t a given — it will be his first day in the big leagues. At about the same time, the 26-year-old Nunez, who has played 270 games in the big leagues, will be settling in at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“It’s a dream come true and a new beginning,’’ Solarte said through a translator after being informed he will be joining the Yankees in Houston on Sunday. “It’s been nine years working for this. I have goose bumps.’’
Manager Joe Girardi said Solarte, who can also play short and third — although defense isn’t his calling card — was picked over Nunez because he can play second base better than Nunez, no Gold Glove candidate at any position.
While spring training stats can be misleading, Solarte hit .429 (18-for-42) to Nunez’s .265 (13-for-49).
“He’s played a little bit more second and third than Nuney has,’’ Girardi said of Solarte, who spent the past two seasons at Round Rock, the Rangers’ Triple-A team, and is a career .286 minor league hitter with an option left. “We thought he won the spot, we talked about open competition.’’
As for Nunez, Girardi said it was difficult telling him.
“It’s hard for the player but it’s something players have to overcome,’’ Girardi said. “It’s extremely difficult. We all love Nuney.’’
How long Solarte remains in the big leagues could depend on when Brendan Ryan comes off the disabled list. Ryan hasn’t played since March 4 due to a neck problem.
“We don’t know when he’ll be back,” Girardi said of Ryan. “We chose [Dean] Anna as the backup shortstop. I’m not sure how it would have played out if Ryan was here.’’