George Lombard Jr. Anticipated to Return to Yankees Lineup In opposition to Padres

George Lombard Jr. is predicted to return to the New York Yankees lineup Friday evening once they open a collection in opposition to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, giving the rookie shortstop an opportunity to get again on monitor after lacking 4 straight video games with proper knee irritation.

George Lombard Jr. Nears Yankees Return

Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned Wednesday that Lombard’s return is trending in the suitable path.

According to the NY Post, the 21-year-old has been working earlier than video games, operating within the outfield, doing agility drills and taking floor balls.

“I don’t want to put the cart before the horse … but it is trending and looking like that is going to be the case,” Boone mentioned.

Lombard mentioned the knee has improved every day. He defined that there was a small quantity of irritation, which he observed throughout sure actions.

The rookie first felt the issue throughout Saturday’s win over the Boston Red Sox. He has not performed since then, however his work on the sector has given the Yankees extra motive to be ok with his return.

José Caballero has began 4 straight video games at shortstop whereas Lombard has been out.

George Lombard Looks to Rebound

Lombard’s return comes at an essential time for the Yankees. The younger shortstop was referred to as up in early August after Anthony Volpe struggled, and he made a rapid impression. He hit a house run in his first recreation and confirmed sturdy protection immediately.

The adjustment has been tougher since that quick begin. Lombard’s batting line has fallen to .253/.310/.367, and he went by means of a stretch with errors in 5 straight video games. Over his final 10 video games, he has hit solely .171 with a .445 OPS, Yahoo reported.

That current hunch is a reminder of how a lot has been positioned on Lombard so shortly. He didn’t start the season because the Yankees’ beginning shortstop. Instead, he was introduced into the center of a playoff race and requested to deal with a serious position at simply 21 years outdated.

Still, the Yankees have seen indicators that Lombard can deal with the problem. He is considered as a participant with sturdy hitting, fielding and base-running expertise. His quiet confidence has additionally stood out since his arrival.

Lombard has confronted robust changes earlier than. He struggled after shifting to Double-A in 2025 and once more when he first reached Triple-A this 12 months.