When the New York Yankees executed a post-lockout trade with the Minnesota Twins, the main pieces were Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
However, catcher Ben Rortvedt was also part of the return package.
He was expected to enter a competition for playing time with Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka.
However, he has been hurt since spring training and hasn’t gotten a chance to show his talent.
He is inching closer to a return, though.
“Today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of RHP Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to Double-A Somerset. Additionally, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of C Ben Rortvedt from High-A Hudson Valley to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre,” the organization reported via Twitter.
Today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of RHP Ron Marinaccio from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to Double-A Somerset.
Additionally, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of C Ben Rortvedt from High-A Hudson Valley to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) July 22, 2022
Given his long layoff, Rortvedt should spend at least a few days in Scranton to get his timing at the plate back.
He should be ready at some point in August if everything goes according to the plan.
Once he is declared ready, he needs to convince the Yankees he belongs in the majors.
A Rough Season With Injuries For Rortvedt
Coming back from a spring training oblique strain and an arthroscopic surgery on his left knee back in mid-May is not that easy, and that’s what he has had to go through this year.
The Yankees, however, are confident he is a major league-caliber catcher.
Last season wasn’t good for him, as he slashed .169/.229/.281 in 98 plate appearances.
That .510 OPS was horrible.
However, he has shown in a much more extended sample size in the minor leagues that he can finish with an OPS between .750 and .800 if given the chance.
For a catcher, that would be good production.
Given the presence of the All-Star backstop Trevino, it’s unlikely Rortvedt becomes a regular anytime soon.
The Yankees, however, believe in depth, and if he proves he is healthy, he will get chances.
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