Jay Bruce, who spent parts of the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, has made the New York Yankees opening day roster, manager Aaron Boone announced Saturday. Bruce had been a non-roster invitee to major league spring training.
Bruce, who will turn 34 next weekend, appears to have benefitted in a way from first baseman Luke Voit needing surgery on his left meniscus, which is partially torn. Though Bruce mostly served as a corner outfielder, DH and pinch-hitter with the Phillies, he’s now in line to start at first base. Bruce will have big shoes to fill – at least on a temporary basis – as Voit led baseball with 22 home runs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.