Berti Back In The Bronx

Bridgewater, New Jersey – Yankees infielder Jon Berti played two consecutive games with Somerset on Sunday and Tuesday – he went 0-for-5 with two walks and a stolen base before being forced to press pause on his rehab assignment on Wednesday.

During media availability, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the reasoning for his absence was due to his back locking up on him, but the hope was that he would be able to return with a day’s rest. True to the plan, Berti was back in the lineup for Somerset on Thursday night against New Hampshire and went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored while playing a full nine innings in what would be his final tune-ups before being activated on Saturday.

“I felt better today,” said Berti. “Moved around a lot, which was good. It was also good to play a full game. I’m not sure what the next steps are for me yet.”

Berti led the National League in stolen bases with 41 in 2022 and the 34-year-old has proven to be a versatile asset with defensive flexibility at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield across seven major league seasons.

The Yankees acquired Berti on the eve of the season opener from the Miami Marlins when their infield depth was greatly tested to open the season. The 2011 Blue Jays-draftee had gone 4-for-19 with the club before landing on the IL on April 11 with a left groin strain after playing in just six games with his new team. The injury culminated a whirlwind three month stretch for Berti and his family.

“Had a baby in early February, went through spring training, and then traded the day before the season,” explained Berti. “It’s just been a wild few months, but in my career, it’s been a lot of ups and downs and have seen a lot of things, so I’ve just got to keep working day-by-day and do the best you can.”

Meanwhile, the Bronx Bombers are 21-13 and sit just one game behind Baltimore for first place in the ultra-competitive American League East. Berti is eager to get back and contribute in a big way for a World Series contender.

“It was fun playing with those guys when I was available and healthy,” Berti said. “Watching on TV now is not as fun, but as long as we are winning, it is fun.”

Matt Kardos | SomersetPatriots.com Senior Writer

Matt Kardos has covered the Yankees minor league system for over a decade and will spend his 12th season on the beat covering the Patriots for SomersetPatriots.com. Throughout his career, Matt has contributed to MLB.com, YES Network and Pinstriped Prospects. When he’s not at the ballpark, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife Kimberly, watching Jets football and collecting sports cards.