WASHINGTON — The Yankees inched closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster on Tuesday, but it was still not set after they played their final spring tune-up and flew to New York.
With three roster spots still left up for grabs, the Yankees optioned relievers Greg Weissert and Ian Hamilton, as well a outfielder Willie Calhoun to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, manager Aaron Boone said after an exhibition at Nationals Park.
“We’re still working through some things,” Boone said.
Outfielders Estevan Florial (who is out of options) and Rafael Ortega (who is not yet on the 40-man roster) were both set to fly with the Yankees with New York, though there is seemingly only room for one of them on the 26-man roster.
“For now, Ortega and Florial are going with us to New York, but there’s nothing guaranteed there with either right now,” Boone said.
Greg Weissert will start the season at Triple-A for the YankeesCharles Wenzelberg / New York PostWith Weissert and Hamilton both out of the picture, it’s possible the Yankees could have their eyes on outside help for the final bullpen spot.
Hamilton had an opt-out in his contract that triggered on Tuesday if he was not added to the roster.
Boone said the Yankees hadn’t added him to the 40-man roster “yet,” but that Hamilton was going to Scranton.
Meanwhile, Boone said the conversations with Weissert and Calhoun, a non-roster invitee, were “tough.”
“Willie came in here and was a pro.” Boone said. “Just good at-bat after good at-bat.
“With Weiss, he’s a big leaguer. He’s an important part of that team and will be an important part of this team. So it is difficult. It’s unfortunate with our team and not having a lot of optionable guys.
Willie Calhoun will start the season at Triple-A for the YankeesUSA TODAY Sports “You don’t want to get into a situation where you have to burn an option early in the year. It is difficult, because he’s a big part of what’s going on in there and will continue to be. Just important for him to go down and keep getting after it. Those are two tough ones.”
The Yankees also have a roster spot open for the fifth starter, though it is likely to be filled by Jhony Brito.
