Yankees rookie Jorbit Vivas had played in 16 big league games heading into Thursday’s contest against the Texas Rangers, but was still searching for his first career home run.
That changed in the bottom of the fifth inning when Vivas drilled a 94-mph, first-pitch fastball from Nathan Eovaldi over the wall in right field to give the Yankees a 1-0 lead. Thanks to stellar pitching from Carlos Rodon and the bullpen, New York was able to hold onto the lead to sweep Texas and win their fourth-straight game.
“Pretty cool to get your first in a 1-0 game and be the difference, huge,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s capable of that. Really good swing, jumped on that first-pitch heater and didn’t miss it. He’s had a couple big at-bats in this homestand for us and that one was obviously big for us and the difference in the game today.”
Vivas’ homer came off the bat at 101 mph and traveled 360 feet into the right field stands.
Luckily, the team was able to retrieve the ball for him — and he plans on bringing it back home to Venezuela for his family, he told reporters via an interpreter. After the win, Vivas spoke about what he was thinking about during the special moment.
“Everything is kind of like a flash, so many things in my mind running the bases,” Vivas told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits via translator after the game. “Thinking about my family back home in Venezuela, I know they’re watching. Like so many things, the road to get here, so many.”
He added, “I’m sure they’re going to be proud. They’re gonna be proud. I’m just very thankful for all the support they’ve given me.”
The 24-year-old wasn’t a huge power threat in the minor leagues prior to his May call-up following Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s injury — he slashed .319/.426/.436 with an .862 OPS, two homers, and five doubles over 26 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Although Boone and the Yankees coaching staff believed he was ready for times like this.
“So many things are going through my head in that moment,” Vivas said via a translator. “Finally said like, ‘My first one, finally.’ I’m very excited and happy about finally connecting there.”
While Vivas is hitting just .182 over 33 major league at-bats, the home run could help him keep it going at the plate. Plus, he and the rest of the Yanks will likely benefit from the high altitude at Coors Field in Denver when they take on the lowly Rockies (8-42) this weekend.
Jorbit Vivas with his first career home run! pic.twitter.com/u0YuKdhaq8
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 22, 2025
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