Yankees Have An Emergency Plan Involving Gio Urshela

Gio Urshela's skills at third base aren't in doubt. He's earned a selection as an American League Gold Glove Award finalist and his defense is noteworthy, but the Yankees infielder tried something new on Tuesday.

Urshela got the start at shortstop in Tuesday's 7-4 Grapefruit League victory over the Detroit Tigers, MLB reports.

"It felt really good, better than I thought," Urshela said. "I had two ground balls and I feel really comfortable. I've been playing a lot in the shift, so I feel really good for my first day."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said using Urshela at short was something he would consider “in a pinch."

As the Yankees make roster moves, Urshela at shortstop may just be something to keep your eye on.

Urshela fielded a routine grounder and flipped it to second for the force out to end the first, and he also made a play look easy in the sixth with a strong throw to first.

“Hit it to him, and you’re out,” Boone said. “There wasn’t a lot to necessarily judge him on, but he handled two plays flawlessly, like we would expect.”

Urshela last played short three years ago, when he appeared at the spot in eight games with the Blue Jays.

He’s played 13 games there in the majors, as well as five at second base, and Boone said this is an experiment to see whether Urshela can be Gleyber Torres' fill-in during the season.

"Whenever Boonie needs to use me, I'll be there playing shortstop," Urshela said, per MLB. "I've played second base in the past before. I've played first a couple of times, so I'll be ready to play any position when they need me."

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