Top prospect Lombard summoned by Yankees for Major League debut (source)

NEW YORK – The Yankees were asked repeatedly about George Lombard Jr. ahead of Monday’s 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, swatting away each request. They envisioned the shortstop wearing pinstripes – and it’s happening sooner than some may have expected.

Lombard – the Yankees’ top prospect per MLB Pipeline – is being promoted to the Major Leagues for Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals at Yankee Stadium, a source told MLB.com. The 21-year-old infielder’s promotion was first reported by the YES Network.

The Yankees made several roster moves after their 13-7 loss to the Cardinals, optioning right-hander Angel Chivilli, outfielder Jasson Domínguez and shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

That clears a spot for outfielder Heliot Ramos, who is expected to join the Yankees on Tuesday after being acquired from the Giants, as well as Lombard – the No. 20 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.

Lombard was slashing .268/.405/.440 in 56 games at Triple-A this season, with 16 doubles, six home runs, 21 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

The son of former Major League outfielder and current Tigers bench coach George Lombard Sr., Lombard was the Yankees’ first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft (26th overall).

"It's really impressive to see a young man who consistently struggles at every level, then after four or five weeks, figures it out and flips the switch," said one veteran rival scout, who has seen Lombard play at every level of the Yankees' system. "It says a lot about his professionalism and his maturity."

The scout said he believes Lombard is ready for an opportunity in the Major Leagues.

"I wouldn't expect much offense quickly, but I've seen his raw power. He would give you exceptional defense," the scout said. "He's an accurate thrower and an exceptional baserunner. I would bat him near the bottom of the order. He will give you consistent at-bats. I see him as the Yankees' shortstop of the future."