New York Yankees rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. is etching his name in the team's history books, albeit with a rare misstep. Lombard has committed an error in six consecutive games, a streak not seen by a Yankees shortstop since Roger Peckinpaugh in 1915.
"It's something we're trying to figure out," Lombard said. "It's not acceptable. It can't happen at this level. If you make your pitchers have to get extra outs, it just makes it way harder on us, and teams are going to capitalize. So it's something that we're definitely going to have to clean up and I've got to be better tomorrow."
In his first 20 games, Lombard has recorded seven errors. While he has also showcased impressive defensive plays, he has struggled with more routine ones during this stretch.
On Thursday, in a 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros, Lombard's error in the eighth inning contributed to a run. With a runner on second and the Yankees trailing 4-1, a ground ball hit to Lombard took an unexpected bounce off his glove. Third baseman José Caballero retrieved the ball but then threw it over first baseman Luis Garcia Jr.'s head, resulting in both players being charged with errors as the run scored.
"The one today, it's kind of that in-between ball. So you're like, is the third baseman getting there?" Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Is he not? There's a little indecisiveness there. So I think that played into that a little bit."
Despite the recent difficulties, Boone expressed confidence in his 21-year-old shortstop. "The good thing about George is you know he's so skilled and gifted out there and foundationally he's really good, too," Boone said. "So he will get through it."
The Yankees, currently holding a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the top wild-card spot in the American League, are preparing for a crucial four-game series against their rivals starting Friday. Lombard's performance will be key as the team aims to maintain its position.