Slade

Heathcott

Heathcott was released by the Athletics last May and went on to post a rough .194/.297/.226 batting line in 37 plate appearances with independent-league Sugar Land Skeeters. The former first-round pick of the Yankees appeared in just 17 total major league games in his career, all during the 2015 season.

No word on when he’ll be ready to return to the field. Heathcott, 22, owns a .275/.360/.407 batting line over his first four pro seasons and was recently ranked as the game’s No. 63 prospect by Baseball America.

Heathcott underwent minor knee surgery over the offseason and has been eased into things in camp. The young outfielder said he’s felt no discomfort this spring and will play catch and take dry swings on Friday. He could return to Double-A or possibly be bumped up to Triple-A to start the season.

Heathcott was the 63rd-best prospect in baseball heading into the 2013 season according to Baseball America, and the Yankees would obviously like to hang on to the 23-year-old. By adding him to the 40-man roster, the Yankees ensured he wouldn’t be available during December’s Rule 5 Draft.

That frees up a spot on the Yankees’ 40-man roster. Heathcott hit just .230 in 23 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and wasn’t getting the call to New York anytime soon. He’ll serve as minor league depth wherever he ends up.

The former first-round pick batted .254/.359/.380 in the minors last season. Heathcott, 26, will compete for a reserve spot with the Giants.

Heathcott sustained the injury on Wednesday and was scratched from Thursday’s lineup. Ramon Flores will be recalled from Triple-A on Saturday to take his place on the Yankees roster. Chris Young should see the bulk of the playing time in center field in his absence.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Esmil Rogers. Heathcott won’t be eligible to return from a Grade 2 quad strain until late July.

Heathcott was off to a .280/.331/.353 start with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre that included one homer and five steals. He could see a bit of playing time while Jacoby Ellsbury (knee) is on the shelf.

Chris Young will take his place and play center field for the Bombers on Thursday. Consider Heathcott day-to-day.