Yankees Quietly Re-Sign Velazquez: Goldschmidt Injury Concerns?
Yankees bring back versatile infielder Andrew Velazquez amid Paul Goldschmidt injury concerns. Get the latest details and analysis.
Yankees Bring Back Familiar Face Amid Roster Uncertainty
The Yankees have quietly re-signed infielder Andrew Velazquez to a minor league deal, just 10 days after releasing him from Triple-A Scranton (per MLB Trade Rumors). The timing feels anything but coincidental, with Paul Goldschmidt’s Tuesday injury scare potentially forcing the team’s hand.
What’s Really Going On Here
The Yankees entered this stretch run knowing their infield depth could be tested. Goldschmidt, who’s been solid since joining the Bronx Bombers, suffered what looked like a concerning knee issue while fielding a routine pop-up Tuesday night. For a veteran who relies on lower-body stability for his power stroke, even minor discomfort raises red flags.
This is where Velazquez comes back into the picture. The 31-year-old Bronx native has become the organizational Swiss Army knife – capable of playing shortstop, second base, third base, and even patrolling the outfield when needed. During his 2025 stint with Scranton before his release, Velazquez posted a .244/.315/.342 slash line with four homers and 23 stolen bases across 87 games.
Sure, those offensive numbers won’t wow anyone, but that’s not why the Yankees keep coming back to him. This marks the fourth time they’ve signed Velazquez, including his 28-game MLB stint with the team back in 2021. The organization clearly values what he brings defensively, even if his bat remains a question mark.
The Rumor Breakdown
According to Audacy’s Lou DiPietro, Velazquez’s return isn’t just about organizational depth. Sources suggest this move could be setting up something bigger – potentially promoting either Jorbit Vivas or Braden Shewmake to the major league roster if Goldschmidt lands on the injured list.
The sequence makes sense from a roster management perspective. If the Yankees need to call up one of their infield prospects, they’d want experienced defensive coverage remaining at Triple-A. Velazquez fits that bill perfectly, having logged significant time at multiple positions throughout his six-year MLB career.
MLB Trade Rumors notes that Velazquez spent most of his recent big league time with the Angels during 2022-23, appearing in 179 games and even handling starting shortstop duties for stretches in 2022. His versatility showed when the Braves claimed him off waivers in September 2023, though he hasn’t returned to the majors since.
The defensive metrics tell the story – Velazquez has consistently graded out as above-average with the glove, particularly at shortstop and second base. His range and arm strength have never been questions, making him the exact type of player teams stash for emergencies.
What This Means for the Yankees
If Goldschmidt’s injury proves more serious than initially thought, the Yankees suddenly have decisions to make. Do they promote from within, or do they scan the waiver wire for immediate help? Velazquez’s presence gives them flexibility to go the internal route.
The financial implications are minimal – minor league deals don’t impact luxury tax calculations, and Velazquez represents cheap insurance. For a team that’s been aggressive about managing payroll while staying competitive, these under-the-radar depth signings can pay huge dividends.
From a tactical standpoint, having Velazquez in Triple-A allows the Yankees to potentially promote Vivas or Shewmake without creating defensive holes down the pipeline. Both prospects have shown promise, but throwing them into Triple-A without adequate backup could backfire if injuries pile up.
The stolen base element shouldn’t be overlooked either. Velazquez swiped 23 bags this year at Scranton, and his speed could make him valuable as a late-inning pinch-runner if he does get called up. The Yankees have increasingly emphasized aggressive baserunning, and Velazquez fits that identity.
There’s also the hometown angle. Being a Bronx native who’s familiar with the organization’s expectations removes the typical adjustment period. He knows the system, the coaches, and what’s expected – valuable intangibles when you need someone to step in seamlessly.
How Likely Is This to Matter?
Probability: Medium-High
The Goldschmidt injury concern appears legitimate based on the immediate signing of Velazquez. Teams don’t typically re-sign players they just released unless something changed. The timeline suggests the Yankees are being proactive rather than reactive.
If Goldschmidt avoids the injured list, Velazquez remains organizational depth – valuable but invisible. However, if the veteran first baseman needs time off, expect movement within 48-72 hours. The Yankees won’t wait long to make roster adjustments during a crucial stretch run.
The promotion of Vivas or Shewmake could happen regardless of Goldschmidt’s status if the Yankees want to evaluate their prospects down the stretch. September call-ups often serve as extended auditions for the following season.
Fan and Insider Reaction
Yankees fans on social media seem split between viewing this as smart depth planning and wondering if bigger moves are coming. The signing flew under most radars initially, but Goldschmidt’s injury has connected the dots for many observers.
DiPietro’s reporting suggests Yankees insiders view this as preparation rather than panic, which aligns with the organization’s typically calculated approach to roster moves.
Bottom Line
This looks like smart organizational planning with potential immediate implications. The Yankees clearly see value in Velazquez’s defensive reliability, and his return could signal roster changes ahead. Keep watching Goldschmidt’s status – that’s likely the domino that determines whether this move stays quiet or becomes significant.
What do you think – smart depth move or sign of bigger changes coming? Follow along as this develops.
FAQ
Q: Is Andrew Velazquez officially back with the Yankees?
A: Yes, he signed a minor league contract and returned to Triple-A Scranton after being released August 3.
Q: Why did the Yankees re-sign him so quickly?
A: Reportedly due to Paul Goldschmidt’s injury concerns and potential need for infield depth.
Q: What positions can Velazquez play?
A: Primarily shortstop and second base, but he’s also played third base and all outfield positions.
Q: How likely is he to reach the majors?
A: Medium likelihood if Goldschmidt goes on IL or Yankees promote other infielders to MLB.
Q: What are his offensive numbers this year?
A: He hit .244/.315/.342 with 4 HRs, 32 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases at Triple-A.
Q: Where can I follow updates on this situation?
A: Monitor Goldschmidt’s injury status and Yankees roster moves through MLB Trade Rumors and beat writers.
