The New York Yankees have found true talent in George Lombard Jr.
His latest feat is incredibly telling of where he’s heading in his baseball career.
Yankees’ Lombard Jr. Joins Derek Jeter in Franchise History Books
GettyGeorge Lombard Jr. is making history with the New York Yankees
As pointed out by baseball reporter Sarah Langs (via X), Lombard is now the youngest player in franchise history to start at shortstop since Yankees’ icon Derek Jeter on June 11, 2995.
At the time, Jeter was just 20 years and 350 days old.
As for Lombard, he is 21 years and 63 days old.
Considering Lombard’s journey to the big leagues, it doesn’t feel all that surprising to watch him make history. However, seeing his name next to Jeter shows the magnitude of his potential.
While playing in the minors this year, he’s slashing .284/.411/.498 with a glowing .909 OPS and 12 homers through 78 games. He has recorded 24 doubles, one triple and 33 RBIs along the way.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, he is scheduled to make his MLB debut in New York after being promoted earlier in the day.
Overall, this was a fairly quiet trade deadline for the Yankees, but perhaps the real excitement has yet to come.
According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, skipper Aaron Boone stated, “I think he’s improved a lot offensively this year. He keeps getting better and better. One thing he does is control the zone and has some power. But that next level of hittability, it seems like he’s gotten better this year. He’s playing really well right now… He brings a lot of things to the table. Good speed, outstanding defense, power and the ability to control the zone. I feel like his hittability has improved this year quite a bit from last year.”
Lombard not only brings impressive talent on offense and defense, but he’s shown his ability to learn and improve. This is imperative for any baseball player who is looking to play a long and successful career in the big leagues.
Yankees Approach Second Clash Against St. Louis Cardinals
GettyManager Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees are looking to redeem themselves against the St. Louis Cardinals
During Monday’s series opener at Yankee Stadium, New York was faced with a tough 13-7 loss to the Cardinals. But with two more games remaining in the set, there is still time for the Yankees to win the series.
In the AL East, New York is second at 63-50 overall. As for St. Louis, they are second-to-last in the NL Central at 56-57 overall.
The Yankees certainly have the edge here at first glance, but they were not prepared for what the Cardinals pulled out on Monday.
Regardless of how the game ends, this is bound to be an interesting clash. Not only is Lombard making an appearance, but so are new acquisitions Heliot Ramos and Luis García Jr.
Aside from this trio, the lineup consists of usual faces, including Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, Spencer Jones, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon, Austin Wells and starter Ryan Weathers.
New York Yankees’ George Lombard Jr. Joins Derek Jeter in Historic Feat