Losing Gio Urshela was Yankees’ gain

Nick Turchiaro | USA TODAY SportsRemember when Gio Urshela became a Yankees fan favorite out of nowhere?

An injury to Miguel Andujar and his ensuing career season in 2019 made it so. Urshela’s slick plays in the field and friendship with Gleyber Torres made him all the more popular.

Fast forward to today. Urshela is on the Twins thanks to the Gary Sanchez trade. The Yankees got back former MVP Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and catching prospect Ben Rortvedt.

At face value, the trade has worked out for both sides. Sanchez hasn’t returned to his star 2017 form, but he’s improved his framing and has a .735 OPS with seven home runs and 27 RBI. On the Yankees’ side, Kiner-Falefa’s defense at…