In summoning George Lombard Jr., the Yankees knew he could play defense.
In trading for Luis García Jr., the Yankees knew he could hit right-handed pitching and probably considered anything else a pleasant surprise.
And so in Friday’s 10th inning, the Yankees were validated and pleasantly surprised, respectively, as both newcomers to The Bronx made sparkling plays to save what became a comeback, 3-2 victory over the Braves.
It was a game they probably do not win without Lombard, who started a rally in the ninth with an infield single in which he advanced all the way to third on an error, drew a key walk in the bottom of the 10th and showed off one other defensive strength in the top of the inning: a cannon of an arm.
Leading off the extra frame, Atlanta’s Sean Murphy hit a hard ground ball into the shortstop hole, which is where Lombard has starred in his brief time in the majors. The rookie ranged, backhanded and left his feet — a small leap, if not a Jeterian one — and showed off an arm whose power is obvious.
“He’s able to — just with ease, whether he’s off-balance — no-sweat some plays because he’s physical and strong,” manager Aaron Boone said of his new everyday, 21-year-old shortstop. “He’s not even reaching for much there, and he makes that play kind of easy.”
After a ground out brought ghost runner Austin Riley to third, Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a two-out bloop down the first-base line. Three Yankees defenders converged on a flare that appeared to be sent into no-man’s land.
“To be honest,” García said through interpreter Marlon Abreu, “I didn’t think I had a chance.”
And yet the first baseman sprinted, extended and stuck out his glove. His best Willie Mays impression ended with catching the third out of the frame with his back to home plate.
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“What a play,” Boone said after a game that was clinched by Ryan McMahon’s sacrifice fly but will be better remembered for defensive excellence, which also included Trent Grisham’s strong throw to third base in the first inning that saved a run.
