PHILADELPHIA – As the Yankees went through the paces of batting practice on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, George Lombard Jr. was doing the same approximately 120 miles away, preparing for a game with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
They're separated only by about a 2-hour drive. And it remains to be seen how much longer the Yankees will wait before promoting their top prospect.
COMPLETE YANKEES PROSPECT COVERAGE
“He’s done a great job, and he’s certainly put himself in the conversation,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.
The Yankees are closely tracking the progress of the 21-year-old Lombard, whom they consider one of their few off-limits players as the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline approaches. MLB Pipeline ranks Lombard as baseball’s No. 20 overall prospect.
Lombard showcased above-average defensive skills in big league camp this spring, excelling at second base, third base and shortstop. His glove, general manager Brian Cashman has said, is already considered big league ready.
“Defensively, he’s plug and play, ready to go,” Cashman said recently.
The challenge this season was for Lombard to continue progressing at the plate. He has caught a hot streak after returning from a stint on the injured list for two sprained fingers on his left (glove) hand.
Since rejoining the RailRiders on July 17, Lombard has gone 10-for-20 (.500) in six games, with three doubles and one homer. That surge isn’t out of character for Lombard, who has typically taken off after a brief adjustment period at every level.
Overall, Lombard is slashing .261/.400/.432 in 48 Triple-A games, with 15 doubles, five homers, 17 RBIs and eight stolen bases.
“I think he’s improved a lot offensively this year,” Boone said. “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.”
The Yankees opened the season with José Caballero as the starting shortstop, intending for him to hold the position until Anthony Volpe completed his recovery from left shoulder surgery.
Caballero’s better-than-expected defense earned him additional playing time. He entered Saturday with seven defensive runs saved, fourth best among Major League shortstops.
Caballero started again on Saturday at Philadelphia, already having hit a career-high 10 homers, but his bat has cooled. He carries a .675 OPS through 290 at-bats. Volpe’s playing time has grown sporadic, with a .650 OPS in 149 at-bats.
Overall, Yankees shortstops have produced a .689 OPS and an 89 wRC+ this season, a figure that ranks 10th among the 15 American League clubs.
One date to note is Aug. 14, which represents the earliest possible date a player can be promoted and stay in the Majors while keeping a future Prospect Promotion Incentive pick in play. Players must have 45 days or fewer on the active Major League roster to retain PPI eligibility.
Asked if there is anything else the organization needs to see from Lombard, Boone replied: “Oh, I don’t know. He’s done a great job. We’ll see.”