ARLINGTON, Texas — If the Yankees want Marlon Byrd, they have prospects the Phillies like enough to get a deal done. However, the fact Byrd remains a Phillie is an indication the Yankees are looking elsewhere for a much-needed right-handed hitting outfielder as Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline approaches.
Byrd says he will deal with any trade if one is made.
“That’s something I can’t control. I don’t have a no-trade [clause],’’ Byrd said Monday in Queens about being linked to the Yankees. “So if [general manager] Ruben [Amaro] makes a trade with them and gets something back in return, it’s like, ‘Hey, we’ve got to trade Marlon,’ there’s nothing I can do. I’ll pack my bags and move on.’’
Byrd is batting .273 with 20 homers and 60 RBIs.
With many teams looking for right-handed power, Byrd only believes one club is definitely interested.
“The only team that I know might be true is the Tokyo Giants. They really want me over there in Japan, but if that happens we’ll see,’’ Byrd said.
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said he addressed the trade-rumor issue with his players, but this time of year it doesn’t wear on Byrd.
“Wear on a team? I don’t know. Me personally? No. I’ve been around long enough. … It’s part of the business,’’ Byrd said.
Byrd makes $8 million this year and next. There is an $8 million club option for 2016.
White Sox scout Joe Butler has been following Trenton, the Yankees’ Double-A team. With pitcher John Danks and outfielder Dayan Viciedo available, the Yankees could have a fit with the White Sox, who are looking for catching, a position the Yankees are well-stocked with.
Top prospects Pete O’Brien and Gary Sanchez are at Trenton and John Ryan Murphy is at Scranton-Wilkes/Barre (Triple-A). And Francisco Cervelli has played very well since moving into the starting lineup when Brian McCann replaced Mark Teixeira at first base.
The White Sox were among a large contingent of scouts at Globe Life Park for Monday night’s Yankees-Rangers game.
Before the Yankees’ 4-2 loss to the Rangers, GM Brian Cashman said a report Cuban defector Rusney Castillo has scheduled a private workout with the Yankees isn’t true. Baseball America reported the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies had set up private workouts with the 27-year-old.
The Yankees sent four scouts to watch Castillo’s workout in Miami on Saturday and, according to industry sources, like the outfielder who is expected to command in the $30 million range.
Michael Pineda is slated to throw three innings or 45 to 50 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday in Tampa.
“As long as he feels good and throwing the ball well there is no reason not to bring him back,’’ manager Joe Girardi said of the right-hander who has been out since April 23 due to suspension and a teres major muscle problem high in the right back near the shoulder. “It’s like spring training, you build them up and you take them.’’
If Pineda can get to 90 pitches he will likely be activated, but there is no guarantee Pineda’s body won’t break down before that.
Girardi didn’t start center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury Monday night in order to rest him. Brett Gardner moved from left to center and Zoilo Almonte, who was recalled from SWB earlier in the day, was in left.
To make room for Almonte the Yankees designated lefty reliever Jeff Francis for assignment. Francis appeared in two games for the Yankees who acquired him from the A’s on July 11 for a player to be named.