Thames to get more playing time in Cali

Via Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com:

As the part of the left-field platoon that faces left-handed pitching, Marcus Thames has picked up just 10 at-bats so far this year. He’s acquitted himself well in that limited time, picking up five hits. But it’s been Brett Gardner who’s gotten most of the time, with 30 ABs.Things should be a little more equitable during the Yankees’ six-game swing out west. Two of the three games in Oakland will feature lefty starters for the A’s, Gonzalez and Dallas Braden. He’ll get one more start in Los Angeles against the Angels.

“I’m just trying to take one game at a time and have some good at-bats,” Thames said. “I prepare myself like I play every day. That’s the way I’ve always been. I always know my role, and whenever my name is on the lineup card, I’ll be ready to play.”

With Thames out in left field for several games, it will be interesting to see how defense might play a part in the Yankees’ road trip. Hopefully, despite his propensity for poor fielding, Thames will be able to serve adequately until Brett Gardner or Randy Winn make a late-inning appearance (once the starting southpaw is out of the game).

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