Yankees Option 3 Players as Opening Day Roster Becomes Clearer

The Yankees moved closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster on Tuesday, but it was still not set following their final spring game against the Washington Nationals.

New York has three roster spots up for grabs, but optioned relievers Greg Weissert and Ian Hamilton, along with outfielder Willie Calhoun to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, per manager Aaron Boone.

“We’re still working through some things,” Boone said.

Outfielders Estevan Florial (out of options) and Rafael Ortega (not on the 40-man roster) both flew with the Yankees to New York, but there is 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.

With Weissert and Hamilton optioned to Triple-A, the Yankees could possibly look externally to fill their final bullpen spot.

Hamilton had an opt-out in his contract, which triggered on Tuesday if he wasn't added to the roster.

According to Boone, Hamilton had not yet been added to the 40-man roster, but he was going to Scranton.

Boone said his 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 [Weissert], 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.

“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 have a roster spot open for the fifth starter job as well, but that's expected to go to Jhony Brito.

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