Yankees’ Estevan Florial vs. Rafael Ortega for 1 outfield spot? It’s a mismatch so far

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Yankees have two weeks to decide what to do with long-time center fielder prospect Estevan Florial.

After years of some highs, lows, a lot of injuries and a bunch of short-lived major league opportunities, Florial is out of minor-league options and seemingly in a losing battle for a season-opening roster spot, even with starting center fielder Harrison Bader out until May with an oblique strain.

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Through Monday’s spring training game against the Twins, a 1-0 Yankees loss, Florial was hitting a dismal .125 with two singles, one double and 12 strikeouts in 24 at-bats.

“There have been a handful of the at-bats where he’s really hit the ball well, but there’s been a little bit of swing-and-miss in there, too,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Florial, a 25-year-old Dominican who was 0-for-2 with a strikeout, walk and stolen base on Monday. “So he continues to compete for it. He’s going to keep giving opportunities here.”

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These spring showings from Florial are similar to last season when he earned call-ups by raking in Triple-A, then was 3-for-31 with 13 strikeouts in 17 Yankees games. If Florial doesn’t finish the spring with a strong showing, he’s in danger of being designated for assignment, which wouldn’t be easy call.

The Yankees still are intrigued because of Florial’s five-tool talent, which had him atop organizational prospect rankings a few years ago.

Florial’s biggest competition for an Opening Day roster spot appears to be non-roster outfielder Rafael Ortega, a fellow left-handed hitter and strong defender.

What Ortega, 31, has going for him is experience and pedigree. The Venezuelan also having a decent spring. He’s batting just .222 in nine games, but with two homers, five RBI and a 1.139 OPS.

Ortega is a career .250 hitter with 21 homers in 364 major league games for four clubs since 2018. He had a breakout season in 2021 with the Cubs, batting .291 with 11 homers and 33 RBI in 103 games before regressing last year: In 2022, he hit .241 for the Cubs with seven homers and 35 RBI in 118 games

“I like how (Ortega’s) swung the bat,” Boone said. “Obviously, a couple years ago he had a really good year in Chicago. I think he can be a real option against right-handed pitching. He has the ability to play all three outfield positions.”

If Ortega breaks camp with the Yankees, he could begin the season sharing center field with Aaron Hicks. A switch-hitter, Hicks could get most of his starts against left-handed pitching with Ortega playing against most righties.

“I feel like he’s swinging the bat well in camp,” Boone said of Ortega. “He’s squared up a lot of balls. A ball he hit to right was scolded (Sunday). So he’s looked good to me.”