Yankees promote Fowler to boost outfield

New York's No. 8 prospect injures knee before first big league at-bat

Dustin Fowler had 40 extra-base hits in 70 games after posting 57 in 132 games in Double-A in 2016. (Ken Inness/MiLB.com)

By Chris Tripodi

June 29, 2017

Dustin Fowler set a career high in home runs two days ago, but he won't remember that as the highlight of his week.The Yankees No. 8 prospect was promoted to the Majors on Thursday among a slew of moves by the club. An 18th-round pick in 2013, Fowler was expected to

Dustin Fowler set a career high in home runs two days ago, but he won't remember that as the highlight of his week.
The Yankees No. 8 prospect was promoted to the Majors on Thursday among a slew of moves by the club. An 18th-round pick in 2013, Fowler was expected to provide outfield depth with Aaron Hicks on the disabled list and Jacoby Ellsbury returning from a concussion.

But before Fowler could have his first at-bat, he sustained a season-ending injury in the first inning against the White Sox. Playing right field, he sprinted to foul territory to try to catch a popup hit by Jose Abreu. At full speed, Fowler ran into the low fence before the seats, sustaining an open rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee. According to MLB.com, he was immediately taken to the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago to have surgery. The recovery time will be at least six months.
The 22-year-old Georgia native was enjoying the best season of his five-year Minor League career, hitting .293/.329/.542 with 13 home runs, 49 runs scored, 43 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 70 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His .542 slugging percentage trailed only Lehigh Valley's Rhys Hoskins -- the Phillies' No. 13 prospect -- among International League batters, and the 49 runs tied Fowler for fourth on the circuit.

Fowler, MLB.com's No. 98 overall prospect, surpassed his career high of 12 long balls after going deep in the first inning Tuesday against Syracuse before being pulled from the game, likely in anticipation of the promotion. Both his slugging percentage and .871 OPS would dwarf his career marks of .450 and .765 respectively.
To make room for Fowler and the recall of veteran Chris Carter, New York designated Mason Williams for assignment, placed 14th-ranked prospect Tyler Austin on the 10-day disabled list and optioned No. 9 Miguel Andújar to Triple-A.
Andujar made his Major League debut Wednesday, going 3-for-4 with a double, four RBIs and a stolen base in Yankees' 12-3 win over the White Sox.

Chris Tripodi is an editor for MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @christripodi.