The New York Yankees might have their shortstop of the future now on the big-league roster, as George Lombard Jr. has served as a strong replacement for Anthony Volpe, who was demoted to the minor leagues shortly after making his return from injury.
With Lombard making a strong first impression in the Bronx, Volpe has been taking reps at second base. And a former Yankees shortstop, who once seemed like a potential stopgap between Volpe and Lombard, has been on the move as well.
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Jonathan Ornelas, a 26-year-old former third-round pick and Texas Rangers World Series champion, has bounced around in recent seasons while trying to establish himself in the majors. Although his MLB track record remains limited, his performance in the upper levels of the minors has provided enough encouragement for another opportunity.
So when the Yankees acquired him shortly before the season started, it seemed he could compete for a shortstop role with the team for Opening Day.
“The contract includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training camp and a midseason opt-out,” Francys Romero reported late last year, shortly after Ornelas signed a contract with the Yankees organization. “Ornelas has a strong chance to make the team, as the Yankees could be without Anthony Volpe until May.”
Instead, Ornelas was unable to force his way onto the Yankees’ big-league roster and he joined the American League West’s Athletics shortly afterward. Then, in a surprisingly quick move, he filled in for a key player for the Milwaukee Brewers.
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After earning a call up with the Athletics, Ornelas was optioned as the team fell out of playoff contention.
On Friday, the team re-signed him and assigned him to Triple-A Las Vegas. Shortly afterward, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers to replace star infielder Brice Turang.
“Brice Turang remains on the bench as he nurses a knee injury,” Charlie Wright and Leo Morgenstern reported for MLB Trade Rumors. “The Brewers and Athletics agreed to a minor trade this afternoon, with the A’s sending Jonathan Ornelas to Milwaukee for cash considerations.”
Ornelas has enjoyed a strong season in Triple-A, combining to hit .310/.378/.505 with 11 home runs in just over 300 plate appearances between the Yankees’ and Athletics’ affiliates. That production provides a reason for the Brewers to give him another chance despite his struggles at the highest level.