Matt Carpenter back in the big leagues
The New York Yankees signed three-time All-Star infielder Matt Carpenter to a deal, adding a formerly dominant player to a team with the league’s best record.
Carpenter, 36, spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals for the past 11 seasons, dealing with multiple injuries during the process and ultimately losing a huge chunk of his offensive ability. When last seen, Carpenter hit .169 with three home runs in 130 games in 2021— he then went on a “cross-country” journey to rebuild his swing, which seems to have paid off.
The former All-Star signed a deal with the Texas Rangers’ minor league affiliate Round Rock Express earlier this year but was recently released upon mutual agreement. While playing in Triple-A, Carpenter hit .275 for six homers and 19 RBIs in 21 appearances.
The lefty Carpenter could see early action with third-baseman Josh Donaldson currently out, sitting on the COVID-19 injured list and also serving a one-game suspension for comments directed towards Chicago White Sox stud Tim Anderson.
The pinstripers are also missing one of their most influential sluggers, Giancarlo Stanton, who is out with an ankle injury, as well as infielder DJ LeMahieu, who is day-to-day with a wrist problem.
Carpenter played most of his major league career at third but was a primary first baseman in his recent minor-league stretch. He has a career average of .262 and 155 total home runs.
