MINNEAPOLIS — George Lombard Jr. got his first taste of champagne celebrations as a big leaguer Monday night.
The rookie shortstop was a key figure in making sure the Yankees got to do so in style on the back of an 8-3 win over the Twins, a comeback that Lombard helped spearhead with a six-run eighth inning.
Lombard led off the rally with a rocket double off the wall in left-center field and eventually came home to score on José Caballero’s single up the middle that tied the game 2-2 before the Yankees went ahead.
“It was really cool,” Lombard said. “Obviously, a big part of the game and doing whatever I can to get on base there.”
The 21-year-old has fit right in after making his MLB debut in early August, even with some occasional defensive hiccups — the part of the game that was his calling card throughout his minor league career.
He had another in the ninth inning Monday, when he stepped off second base too early while trying to catch a throw from second baseman Anthony Volpe.
Throughout all of the ups and downs, Lombard has impressed the Yankees with his maturity, which has a chance to serve him well in his first bite at the postseason when the stakes are elevated.
“Obviously, it’s intense and every single pitch counts and everything matters, but we’re prepared for it,” Lombard said. “It’s going to be the same preparation, same routine. We just got to go out there and do our thing.”
Clarke Schmidt is likely to be activated off the injured list Wednesday after finishing his comeback from Tommy John surgery, though Boone said Tuesday could also be in play. Monday was not because he would not have been available to pitch on only one day of rest, which he did not do on his rehab assignment.
Ryan Weathers (left forearm flexor strain), meanwhile, was scheduled to throw his first bullpen session Tuesday at Target Field as he tries to get back from the IL before the end of the regular season.
Carlos Rodón is the Yankees nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player “who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.” Rodón and his wife, Ashley, are active through their foundation in providing resources and financial assistance to couples facing infertility and pregnancy loss.
“What him and Ashley do, we talk about using your platform for good, and they certainly have done that,” Boone said. “They’ve taken some of their personal experiences and hardships and turned them into positives, in and around the country and the world. You love when you see your guys give back whether it’s financially, whether it’s their time, whether it’s their talent, whatever it may be. But certainly the Rodóns have done a remarkable job in the philanthropic job. Proud of them.”
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Fernando Cruz (partially torn UCL) started playing catch over the weekend, keeping in play the long shot of him pitching again this season.
