CINCINNATI — The Yankees are bringing Greg Allen back for what they hope is another spark.
The team acquired Allen, the speedy outfielder who provided them a jolt during a cameo in 2021, on Friday night from the Red Sox in exchange for minor league pitcher Diego Hernandez and cash considerations.
Allen, who had been playing for the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate, was expected to join the Yankees in Cincinnati, though it was not immediately clear whose roster spot he would take.
“I think he’s coming here,” manager Aaron Boone said after a 6-2 win over the Reds at Great American Ball Park. “We’ll get together and see what we’re going to do.”
If Allen is added to the 26-man roster, the Yankees have some options on how to open a spot.
They could send an under-producing Oswaldo Cabrera (who went 1-for-3 with a walk Friday) to Triple-A, designate Jake Bauers or Willie Calhoun for assignment, or make a more expensive decision in cutting Aaron Hicks, who has started to produce recently and has three years and nearly $30 million left on his contract.
Either way, Boone was looking forward to getting back Allen, who had a .795 OPS and was 23-for-23 in stolen bases at Triple-A this season.
“Switch-hitter, versatility, good at the role, can run,” Boone said. “He’s very good at doing that as well. He’s played here before and has done a really nice job with us in the past. A chance to add a little bit of depth.”