Yankees' Tyler Austin: Strictly viewed as first baseman

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday that the organization views Austin strictly as a first baseman, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Austin made three appearances in right field and two in left field upon joining the Yankees in the second half of last season, but his defense wasn't adequate enough at either spot for him to be a viable long-term option at those positions. Instead, it will be Austin's hit tool rather than any versatility that dictates his return to the big leagues, and at this point, Girardi and the Yankees brass seem to view Chris Carter as the best candidate to play regularly at first base until Greg Bird (ankle, knee) returns from the disabled list. Austin will continue to try and push for a promotion at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with whom he's slashed .287/.357/.494 in 24 games since returning from a foot injury in May.