Yankees option prospect Spencer Jones as Jose Caballero ready to return

The team announced late Thursday that Jones and RHP Yovanny Cruz were optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The corresponding moves weren’t announced, but with Cole slated to start Friday’s series opener against the Rays and Caballero’s 10-day IL stint expiring, those are the likely roster moves.

It was a long time in the making for the 25-year-old Jones. His power numbers in the minors were eye-popping, 35 long balls in 2025 and 11 this year, and a lot of people wanted to see if he could bring those skills to the Yankees. But the outfielder just never was able to get it going in his pinstripe tenure.

Jones had four hits all singles in 24 at-bats with three walks two RBI and a stolen base in 10 games in the bigs. He also struck out 12 times an issue that has dogged the slugger throughout his pro career.

This season he has 46 strikeouts in 120 at-bats in 33 games in Triple A. Between Double A and Triple A he had 179 punchouts in 438 at bats.

Cole will take over for 26 year old Cruz who made his MLB debut Wednesday against the Blue Jays. The righty was electric fanning three batters in his two innings of work. Cruz was not as effective Thursday. He gave up one hit and hit a batter while getting one out.

He’ll return to the minors where he had a 3.00 ERA and struck out 23 in 18.0 IP over 15 appearances with the RailRiders.