PITTSBURGH — The Yankees offense is rolling so good right now that their No. 9 batter has been their most productive hitter the past two games.
On Friday, it was Oswaldo Cabrera. On Saturday, it was Trent Grisham, the center fielder known more for his glove but whose bat is off to a torrid start this season.
Continuing to take advantage of early playing time, Grisham clubbed a pair of home runs to spearhead another offensive outburst as the Yankees drubbed the Pirates 10-4 on a drizzly Saturday at PNC Park.
After drilling a solo shot in the third inning that put the Yankees (6-2) up 2-0, he ripped an opposite-field three-run homer in the fifth that put the Yankees up 5-4 and back on top for good.
“I’ve been in a good spot mentally, just staying in the present and keeping going,” said Grisham, who has started three straight games in center field, the past two with Cody Bellinger sidelined by a back issue. “My swing felt really good during spring. … But I would [attribute] it mostly to the mental work I’ve been doing over the past year.”
Through Saturday, Grisham has taken 21 plate appearances this season, batting 8-for-17 with three home runs and a 1.630 OPS.
Last year, he did not collect his 21st plate appearance until April 28, the 29th game of the season.
“Trent’s an everyday player,” said Marcus Stroman, who gave up four runs over four innings. “I think people forget that, that he’s an incredible everyday player, but you don’t see him in that light right now.”
After Grisham’s second home run of the day, the Yankees loaded the bases for Anthony Volpe, who continued his own strong start by lofting a three-run double to the gap that blew the game open, 8-4.
The shortstop later added a second double and made a few terrific plays in the field.
Paul Goldschmidt also continued to produce, going 3-for-4 with a double, walk and an RBI out of the leadoff spot.
“It’s been relentless,” manager Aaron Boone said of his offense. “They just are really taking tough at-bats. For the most part, we’re scoring a lot and a lot of guys are swinging the bat well. … I feel like there’s been a real consistency to their approach and it’s been fun to see how everyone has really chipped into this because they’re playing at a really high level right now.”
Stroman cruised early, facing one over the minimum through the first three innings before the Pirates got to him in the fourth.
He walked three batters, all of whom came around to score, and got tagged for a pair of doubles — the second one from Enmanuel Valdez that just missed being a grand slam, instead going for a two-run double that put the Pirates up 3-2.
But like many Yankees starters this season, Stroman’s offense picked him up.
Saturday marked the third straight game the Yankees have scored nine or more runs, hitting that mark (or higher) in five of their first eight games of the season. This time, Grisham was in large part to thank.
Formerly an everyday player with the Padres before he arrived in New York in the Juan Soto trade, Grisham goes about his business in unassuming fashion.
He does not wear batting gloves, takes a nonchalant batting practice that has a purpose behind it, and does not play with much flair.
But he has shown he can make an impact.
“He’s like the black cowboy, we call him,” Stroman said. “He’s always chill, always calm. Some people say they’re the same guy every day, but he truly is the same guy each and every day. Humble, humble human being to be around and a pleasure.”
