MINNEAPOLIS — Rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. experienced his first major league champagne celebration Monday night, a reward for his role in the Yankees' 8-3 comeback victory over the Minnesota Twins. The win secured a playoff berth for the team.
Lombard initiated the Yankees' game-changing rally in the eighth inning by hitting a double off the left-center field wall. He later scored on José Caballero's game-tying single. "It was really cool," Lombard said. "Obviously, a big part of the game and doing whatever I can to get on base there."
Since making his MLB debut in early August, the 21-year-old has integrated well with the team, despite occasional defensive miscues. One such instance occurred in the ninth inning on Monday when he stepped off second base prematurely while attempting to field a throw.
Despite the occasional lapses, Lombard's maturity has impressed the Yankees organization, positioning him to handle the heightened pressures of his first postseason appearance. "Obviously, it’s intense and every single pitch counts and everything matters, but we’re prepared for it," Lombard stated. "It’s going to be the same preparation, same routine. We just got to go out there and do our thing."
In other team news, pitcher Clarke Schmidt is nearing activation from the injured list as he completes his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Schmidt could be activated as early as Wednesday, possibly Tuesday, depending on his readiness. Ryan Weathers, sidelined with a left forearm flexor strain, is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session Tuesday at Target Field, with hopes of returning before the regular season concludes.
Carlos Rodón has been nominated by the Yankees for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players for their character, community involvement, and positive contributions on and off the field. Rodón and his wife, Ashley, actively support couples facing infertility and pregnancy loss through their foundation. "What him and Ashley do, we talk about using your platform for good, and they certainly have done that," Boone said of the Rodóns' philanthropic efforts. "You love when you see your guys give back whether it’s financially, whether it’s their time, whether it’s their talent, whatever it may be. But certainly the Rodóns have done a remarkable job in the philanthropic job. Proud of them."
Fernando Cruz, recovering from a partially torn UCL, has begun playing catch over the weekend, keeping alive the possibility of him pitching again this season.