Yankees promote Elmer Rodríguez, DFA Randal Grichuk

TL;DR

The Yankees have designated outfielder Randal Grichuk for assignment to make room for Elmer Rodríguez, who is set to make his major league debut. Grichuk struggled this season, batting .194 with poor plate discipline.

Key points

Yankees designate Randal Grichuk for assignment
Elmer Rodríguez to make his major league debut
Grichuk struggled with a .194 batting average
Rodriguez's promotion addresses roster crunch
Grichuk may elect free agency if he clears waivers

Mentioned in this story

Texas

New York YankeesRandal GrichukElmer Rodríguez

Apr 9, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Randal Grichuk (34) reacts after striking out against the Athletics during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images The Yankees were set for a bit of a roster crunch this week, one that had fans wondering exactly how the club would piece together the puzzle. Well, we have part of the answer now, as this morning the Yankees announced that they had designated outfielder Randal Grichuk for assignment to clear a spot on the active roster for Elmer Rodríguez. Grichuk signed a minor league deal this offseason with the hope that he’d give Aaron Boone another right-handed option off the bench against left-handed pitchers. The idea was fine enough in theory, but Grichuk hasn’t quite gotten there in practice, slashing .194/.212/.323 this year in limited playing time. Grichuk did make solid contact during his time with the Yankees, posting exit velocity and hard hit rates better than league average, but he also showed ugly plate discipline and was never much of a fielder. His case for remaining on the roster long term was thin unless he provided real thump at the plate. The 34-year-old will now hit waivers, and if he clears he’ll have the option to elect free agency. For the Yankees, they’ll still have roster decisions later this week to work out, as a corresponding move will be needed once is activated (infielder figures to get a ticket back to Triple-A). But for now, with this bit of roster business sorted out, we can fully turn our attention to today’s main event: Rodríguez’s major league debut this afternoon in .

Q&A

Why did the Yankees designate Randal Grichuk for assignment?

The Yankees designated Randal Grichuk for assignment to clear a roster spot for Elmer Rodríguez, who is making his major league debut.

What were Randal Grichuk's stats with the Yankees this season?

Randal Grichuk had a batting average of .194 with a slugging percentage of .323 during his time with the Yankees.

What happens to Randal Grichuk after being DFA'd by the Yankees?

After being designated for assignment, Randal Grichuk will go on waivers, and if he clears, he can elect free agency.

Yankees promote Elmer Rodríguez, DFA Randal Grichuk

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Red Sox Promoting Nate Eaton Leaves Major Question Unanswered

Commonwealth Games unveils 'inclusive' medals inspired by Glasgow

Jake Paul doubts Dana White feels threatened by MVP MMA: 'He's checked out'

Presunto acoso en las secciones inferiores del Torrelavega: insultos homófobos, machistas y gordófobos

Metro Detroit high school lacrosse notebook: Grosse Pointe South girls off to hot start

Heath Miller talks favorite Steelers memories, NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

More from Sports