Robertson, Frazier, Kahnle make it to Minnesota, but Yankees lose

MINNEAPOLIS – The Chicago Three made it to Minnesota.

Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle arrived for Wednesday's Yankees-Twins game at Target Field, and the Yanks made a series of moves to make them available ASAP.

Frazier struck out as a pinch-hitter and remained in the game at third base, while Kahnle threw a scoreless eighth inning, averaging 99.3 mph on his fastball, in the Twins' 6-1 win at Target Field before 33,380 fans on Wednesday afternoon.

In his second time up, Frazier was struck in the right hand/wrist area by a pitch but remained in the game after being checked out by Yankees head athletic trainer Steve Donohue.

Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery (6-5) was not sharp, charged with six runs in six innings, all coming in the second inning. 

Lefty-hitting first baseman Ji-Man Choi and infielder/outfielder Rob Refsnyder were designated for assignment, and lefty reliever Chasen Shreve was optioned to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear roster room for the trio of White Sox traded to the Yankees in Tuesday night’s significant swap.

“It’s a pretty substantial deal,’’ said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. “Because we’re getting another power bat but also two short-innings guys that can make our bullpen really versatile.’’

In swinging the deal that sent Tyler Clippard and three minor leaguers – led by 2016 No. 1 draft pick, outfielder Blake Rutherford – to Chicago, “Brian [GM Brian Cashman] and his staff did a tremendous job adding to this club,’’ Girardi said.

Kahnle and Robertson, both right-handers, would be available to pitch in Wednesday’s series finale according to Girardi.

Frazier’s role – is he a first baseman or a third baseman? – was left undefined since Girardi hadn’t discussed the organization’s decision with the concerned parties.

BOB KLAPISCH:Yankees look like winners in White Sox deal

MLB TRADE DEADLINE:Will Sonny Gray be worth high price to get him?

EVIL EMPIRE:Yankees are back to being the Evil Empire, and the Red Sox feel the pain

Chase Headley could very well be asked to shift over to first base to accommodate Frazier, and Headley said Tuesday night that he was open to a position switch.

Ronald Torreyes was the Yankees’ starting third baseman on Wednesday as Headley was granted a scheduled day of rest from the lineup.

As for the bullpen roles, “I feel like the parts are pretty interchangeable,’’ Girardi said of his new setup men adding to the mix with Adam Warren and Dellin Betances leading up to closer Aroldis Chapman.

Chad Green will take on more of a multiple-inning role, Girardi said.

Robertson was having his best year in Chicago since signing a four-year, $46 million contract after the 2014 season, with 13 saves in 14 tries and a 2.70 ERA. Kahnle, a former Yankees draft pick, has 60 Ks and just seven walks in 36.1 innings.

“He’s had a great year,’’ Girardi said. “It’s another guy that throws extremely hard. He’s kind of found himself.’’