Yankees' Austin Slater begins rehab assignment and is closing in on return

""We'll see over the next few days what makes the most sense," manager Aaron Boone said Friday at Rate Field before a 10-2 win over the White Sox."

""I think it's probably the right thing, just from a competition standpoint," Boone said. "It's a very different game, the way it used to be. One team might be playing with 33, the other team might be playing with 27. From a competition standpoint, that's probably not the right way to go. So as muc"

""The Yankees acquired Slater for his ability to hit left-handed pitchers, against whom he has a .814 OPS this season and .795 for his career.""

""With rosters expanding to 28 on Monday, the Yankees will not have to send out any of their current players to make room for Slater's return.""

Austin Slater began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, going 2-for-3 across five innings in left field after a hamstring strain suffered Aug. 4. He is expected to play again Sunday and likely a third game Tuesday before activation. The Yankees acquired Slater for his ability to hit left-handed pitchers, posting a .814 OPS this season and .795 for his career. Rosters expand to 28 on Monday, so no current players need to be removed to accommodate his return. Catcher J.C. Escarra could be called up temporarily for extra bench flexibility. Spencer Jones is unlikely to be promoted without a clear playing opportunity. September roster rules now allow only one extra position player and one extra pitcher.

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