The New York Yankees’ battle for the final bench spots is still not over, but it’s about to become a little clearer in the next few days. Veteran Jay Bruce’s opt-out decision is due tomorrow, and the Bombers are likely to go into the season with a four-man bench.
Backup catcher Kyle Higashioka and outfielder Brett Gardner will be on the Opening Day roster, no questions asked. That would leave a couple of spots left for Jay Bruce, Derek Dietrich, Mike Tauchman, and Tyler Wade.
If we consider the fact that Bruce is currently in a 2-for-21 funk at the plate after starting the Grapefruit League 4-for-6, it’s safe to say his chances of making the New York Yankees have decreased.