After the Yankees called up Clint Frazier on Monday as they put Giancarlo Stanton on the 10-day injured list with a biceps strain, manager Aaron Boone says Frazier will be getting plenty of playing time, although the 24-year-old outfielder isn't starting Monday against the Tigers after arriving from Scranton.
"He'll play a lot," Boone said. "Obviously not in there tonight, but I plan on him playing quite a bit. He'll get in there, and kind of the way we're set up right now with our rotation of guys, he'll certainly I think play a lot."
Frazier, who was ticketed for Triple-A to open the season, had just landed in Scranton after a flight from Tampa and said he was waiting at baggage claim when he found out he was getting called up. "A good way to end a long plane ride," Frazier said.
Last season was a trying one for Frazier, who dealt with concussion issues throughout the year and was limited to 54 minor-league games and 15 big-league appearances.
He didn't put up good numbers in Spring Training this year, slashing .143/.228/.245 in 57 plate appearances, but Boone was pleased with how Frazier was swinging the bat late in the spring and during minor-league games in Florida, saying that Frazier was "tearing the cover off the ball."
Boone felt Frazier was trying to make up for lost time at the start of camp. During two lengthy conversations with Frazier before the Yankees came north, Boone told Frazier that nothing has changed regarding Frazier's chance to be a good major leaguer and to not put pressure on himself.
"I feel like he's in a really good place coming up here right now, feel like he's ready to go. He's excited to be here and he's gonna get some good opportunities," Boone said.
Frazier is "thrilled" to get the opportunity.
"Last year was a hard year, so to be here, it feels like I'm making my debut all over again," Frazier said. "I know I'm ready for this. I've been preparing for this moment since the offseason last year because I knew that there was gonna be an opportunity at some point this year. It came earlier than I probably expected after I got sent down in camp, so I'm gonna try to make the most of it."