The Yankees were growing frustrated with Meacham's generally inconsistent play, and had acquired both Paul Zuvella and Wayne Tolleson in separate deals during the season to replace him at short. Meacham ended up splitting 1986 and between the Yankees and their triple A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers. He spent all of with the big league club, but injuries and the off season acquisition of Rafael Santana from the New York Mets limited Meacham to only 47 games, during which, he saw about half his playing time at second base.