Has Yankees’ backup doomed himself to another slow start?

Kyle Higashioka returns to Yankees spring training after receiving no playing time at the World Baseball Classic.

Now, the backup catcher must make up for lost playing time in preparation for the 2023 season.

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According to Dan Martin of the New York Post, manager Aaron Boone said: “it’ll be a little challenging’' getting Higashioka enough plate appearances to have him ready by Opening Day.

Per Martin: “He’s not going to be able to get a ton of at-bats, but that’s OK,” Boone said.

Higashioka struggled in the first half of last season, as he hit just .174 with five homers and 15 RBI in 48 games, 42 as a starter. After the All-Star break, he batted .299 with five homers and 16 RBI in 35 games, 30 of them starts.

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The 32-year-old was selected by the Yankees in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB Draft, and he made his major league debut in 2017. The Yankees avoided arbitration with him this offseason signed him to a one-year deal.