The Yankees showed faith in outfield prospect Tyler Austin this offseason, giving him a spot on the 40-man roster and starting him at the Triple-A level, just one step from the majors, for the first time in his career.
Austin responded by batting .194 with two home runs through May 20.
When outfielders were needed in the Bronx, Slade Heathcott and Ramon Flores were summoned. Austin, 23 and a 13th round pick (2010) was in danger of playing himself out of the conversation.
But Austin still may be someone to talk about.
In 16 games since May 21, the corner outfielder has hit .