ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, USA – Rougned Odor first appeared on Sunday in the New York Yankees lineup, sporting his new image that includes the change of uniform.
The Venezuelan infielder, who no longer has a beard, complied with the long rule prohibiting facial hair from his new team. He shaved his thick beard with the Texas Rangers, who traded him to the Yankees last week in exchange for minor league gardeners Antonio Cabello and Josh Stowers.
“It was weird, I feel weird,” Odor admitted about not having his beard. “Even my daughter, she didn’t want to see me. That’s how it is and I’m happy to be here.”
The 27-year-old completed protocols for the pandemic and was added to the lineup on Saturday. He started at second base and batted sixth in the final duel of the weekend’s series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Odor, who was not included in the Rangers roster for the start of the season, was put on assignment on April 1st. He noted that he was happy to join a team of which “every child grows up wanting to play” for them.
“When I found out that I had been switched to this team, I got happy,” he admitted, adding that he continued his batting and fielding practices after he was assigned by assignment.
Left-handed batsman, Odor can bring balance in a lineup of virtually right-wingers. He was second baseman with the Rangers, but also played third in spring training this year for the first time.
The fielder, with an average of 237, 146 home runs and 458 towed in seven seasons in the Major Leagues, still has two years left on his $ 12 million contract, as part of a six-year deal and 49, 5 million.
The deal includes a 13.5 million equipment option for 2023 and a 3 million contract termination.
“I came here to give my best and to help the team win games,” Odor said.
The Yankees announced two moves on their roster ahead of Sunday’s game. Dominican right-hander Albert Abreu was called to an alternate training camp and Venezuelan infielder Thairo Estrada was sent to the Giants of San Francisco in exchange for cash.