Yankees call up second base prospect Rob Refsnyder

While several teams have called up top prospects this summer with an eye toward their long-term future, it would appear the New York Yankees are doing so strategically, and perhaps out of necessity.

As first reported by YES Network's Jack Curry, 24-year-old second baseman Rob Refsnyder was called up on Saturday and will make his major-league debut against Boston Red Sox left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez.

Further reports indicate the call up was motivated by just that, the fact New York is set to face left-handers on both Saturday and Sunday, with Refsnyder seen as the best lineup option available.

There's no early confirmation on the full extent of New York's plans. Starting third baseman Chase Headley has been plagued by a sore calf, but he's also in Saturday's lineup, leaving Stephen Drew as the odd man out through the weekend.

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With the All-Star break now two days away, the Yankees may be looking at insurance in case Headley suffers a setback. It's also possible they're giving Joe Girardi and his coaching staff an up close opportunity to evaluate Refsnyder.

If it's a short-term call up, it's actually a very good use of the 40-man roster. Earlier this season the Chicago Cubs promoted prospect Kyle Schwarber for five games while they played in American League ballparks. Schwarber served as the designated hitter and flourished, hitting 364/.391/.591 with a home run and triple.

What we know for sure is that Refsnyder entered the season as New York's No. 5 prospect according to MLB.com. At Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, he was hitting .290/.387/.413 with seven home runs, 37 RBI, and 10 stolen bases. Those numbers would be an upgrade from what New York is getting from Drew and Jose Pirela.

In fact, Pirela was shipped to the minors on Thursday, so perhaps that's the indication this will be a long-term opportunity.

Time will certainly tell, but the Yankees have absolutely nothing to lose by testing the waters with Refsnyder.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813