TAMPA — When the Yankees called up Everson Pereira and Oswald Peraza earlier this week, Aaron Boone spoke with some veterans whose playing time would be impacted by the promotions.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was one of those veterans.
With Pereira and Peraza expected to mostly play left field and third base, respectively, the versatile Kiner-Falefa figured to lose as much playing time as any roster incumbent. The Yanks are in last place, so their focus is on the future.
“It’s just part of it,” Kiner-Falefa told the Daily News. “When you’re not winning, you got to give the other guys opportunities, and it just so happens to be me. So it is what it is.”
Kiner-Falefa played for the first time since the promotions on Friday. He went 1-for-5 with a double while roaming centerfield in the Yankees’ series-opening win over Tampa Bay.
“Kiner’s done a really nice job, and with some guys coming up, it’s cut into his playing time,” Boone said. “So I want to keep him at least a little bit sharp.”
Prior the game, Kiner-Falefa noted that it’s difficult to thrive with “sporadic” at-bats, but he felt he played well with limited opportunities earlier this season.
“I’m happy with the way the year went for me individually, but not as a whole and as a team,” Kiner-Falefa said. “But I feel like I proved that I could come off the bench in a very productive way and contribute. So that’s something I’m happy about.”
Kiner-Falefa’s ability to produce after long hiatuses and his flexibility earned him a larger role prior to the promotions. He has actually been one of the Yankees’ most consistent hitters, as he entered Friday’s game slashing .280/.350/.420 with eight doubles, one triple, six home runs and 33 RBI over 68 games since May 16.
All in all, “IKF” is hitting .252/.316/.362 over 101 games after a rough start to the season.
Given his success, Kiner-Falefa admitted that the loss of playing time is “frustrating.” But the 28-year-old former Ranger has also gained from youth movements, so he understands what the Yankees are doing.
“I want to be in there,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I want to help the guys out, but at the same time, the organization’s got to do what it’s got to do for the future. I’ve been on the receiving end with Texas. In 2018, I was one of the guys that benefited from it. So it’s all part of it. It’s all good. I definitely want to be in there, though, so it’s definitely tough, but it’s just the reality of where we’re at. So you kind of can’t do anything about it.”
Kiner-Falefa has always done what is asked of him throughout his career. In Texas, that included learning how to catch. This year, it meant learning how to play the outfield after he struggled at shortstop in 2022, his first season with the Yankees.
Kiner-Falefa has played every position except catcher and first base this year. That includes four appearances on the mound.
“He’s been willing to do anything. He always wants to get better,” Boone said, adding that he appreciates Kiner-Falefa’s “tenacity and his commitment to his craft and to his team”
An impending free agent, Kiner-Falefa’s contact skills, ability to play multiple positions and team-first attitude could make him an attractive target for clubs in search of a role player this offseason. He’s enjoyed his time as a Yankee and hopes it continues, but he also wants to see the field as much as possible.
“I’m a free agent at the end of the year, so we’ll see how it all plays out when that time comes,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I’ll be able to make my decisions in the offseason based on what I want and I’ll be able to see my options out there.
“I definitely want to come back, but I also want to play more than I have this year. So we’ll see.”
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