Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided some updates prior to Tuesday’s game against the Rangers…
Bellinger swinging a hot bat
Cody Bellinger has gotten back into a groove after a bit of a cold stretch at the plate.
The sweet-swinging lefty played a huge role during this weekend’s Subway Series victory — recording seven hits in 11 at-bats including two doubles and two home runs while also driving in seven runs.
He’s now batting .377 with four homers, four doubles, and a 1.129 OPS during his 13-game hitting streak.
The two keys according to Boone: balance and pitch selection.
“That’s what stands out to me,” he said. “He’s swinging at more of the right pitches, he’s had some big walks, and he’s on balance so he’s getting his swing off a lot. We’ve really been excited with the way he’s performed these last couple of weeks.”
Bellinger back doing his thing provides the Yanks with a huge boost behind Aaron Judge.
Rice sliding to the hot corner?
Prior to Sunday’s Subway Series finale, Ben Rice was spotted taking grounders at third.
The young slugger has only appeared at first, catcher, and DH to this point in his pro career — while Boone liked what he saw from him at the position, it’s not a move the team is considering at the moment.
“He’s done it a few times,” Boone said. “It’s just keeping them athletic and keeping them moving. I think there’s value in all of that athletically speaking — I like how he moves over there, but it’s not much more than that right now.”
It’ll be interesting to see if the Yanks consider it a more likely option when slugger Giancarlo Stanton gets closer to returning from the injured list.
Rice has been a tremendous piece for their lineup early on this season — putting together a triple, nine homers, 10 doubles, and a .876 OPS through 41 games.
Devin Williams back as the closer?
Williams got off to a rough start with the Yanks, but he’s finally finding his footing.
After picking up the victory during Sunday’s Subway Series finale, the All-Star closer has now held the opponent off the board in eight of his last nine appearances.
He’s given up just two hits over that span while walking four and striking out 12.
Despite the success, Boone says there’s no plan right now to lock Williams back into the closers’ role but he’ll continue to be brought into high-leverage situations.
“I feel like so many of our guys down there are throwing the ball really well,” he said. “Luke [Weaver] has done outstanding in the role, so we’ll just see as we go. I want to continue having him throw the ball like he is.
“He’ll be in high-leverage spots — that could be closing on any given day, but no plans to do it one way or the other right now.”
Hey brother!
With the Rangers in town, there will be a familiar face in the opposing dugout.
Aaron’s older brother, Bret Boone, was recently hired as Texas’ hitting coach.
The long-time skipper admitted it’ll be a little odd seeing him in that capacity for the first time.
“We broke bread last night,” he joked. “It’s good to have him here — I’m sure I’ll peek over there at some point to see what his act looks like. We have two of his boys here and some of my kids coming so they’ll all hangout together, that’s the away from the game good things that come from this.”
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