Report: Chase Headley an option for Yankees

Ken Rosenthal suggests the Yankees would use Headley at third base until Alex Rodriguez returns and then move him to right field.

By Jack Moore

Jul 28, 2012 at 4:14 pm ET • 1 min read

The Yankees are among the teams still in on Padres third baseman Chase Headley, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Saturday.

New York still has Alex Rodriguez under contract for more than $20 million per season through 2017, but Rodriguez is out for the next 6-8 weeks with a hand injury. The team's plan, according to Rosenthal, would be to use Headley at third base until Rodriguez returns and then shift him to the outfield. For beyond 2012, Headley could replace Nick Swisher -- a free agent following the season -- as the every day right fielder.

Headley is enjoying a career season, hitting .265/.320/.424 despite the oppressive nature of San Diego's Petco Park. His 122 OPS+ ranks sixth among qualified third baseman. He is making $3.475 million in his second arbitration year and will be eligible for free agency after the 2014 season.