Jon Berti, who had been out since a left calf strain on May 24, was summoned and did not know how he would be used.
The righty-hitting utilityman played third base and left field during his rehab assignment and would be a fit against lefty pitchers.
It is possible that lefty-swinging Jazz Chisholm Jr. sits against some southpaws. The Yankees will face off against lefty Cole Ragans on Wednesday.
“I’m just excited to be here,” Berti said. “I’m just here to help the team any way I can.”
Berti, who had stolen four bases in 17 games with the Yankees this year and led the majors in 2022 with 41 steals, also could become a late-inning pinch-runner.
With a crowded roster filled with players who expect playing time, Boone said he would “mix and match.”
“It’s all hands on deck,” Boone said. “We feel like our roster’s strong right now and capable and has a chance to do something really special. Feel like we got a little better today.
“Hopefully in their own way, [Jasson Dominguez and Berti] can help impact us and help us win games.”
Anthony Volpe was out of the lineup, but not for long.
After switch-hitting Oswaldo Cabrera got the nod at shortstop against Royals righty Brady Singer, who is particularly difficult on righty hitters, Volpe pinch ran for Gleyber Torres in the eighth inning and remained in as shortstop, Cabrera moving to second.
Volpe now has played in 143 of the Yankees’ 144 games. Before the game Boone said Volpe, who was 2-for-15 in his previous four games, is fine and just could use a breather.
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“For as much as I lean on Anthony every single day, just felt like this was a good day [for a break],” Boone said.
Marcus Stroman was named the Yankees’ nominee for this year’s Roberto Clemente award, which goes to the player “who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”
Stroman has launched a scholarship for Bronx-based high school seniors.
Over a five-year span, 10 students will receive scholarships, with Stroman’s foundation committing $200,000 in addition to $50,000 from Bold.org.
