Spencer Jones described himself as a “chill bird.”
In his first stint in The Bronx, though, he acted differently than that description.
“First time around, you try so hard to do a lot of things,” the outfielder said Wednesday. “For me, I’m a chill bird, I just need to relax and allow myself to do as I do, and not force anything.”
When he returned July 26, Jones was determined to be himself. The results have followed.
The latest example came in the Yankees’ come-from-behind 10-5 win over the Mariners at the Stadium. Jones had a pair of doubles and three RBIs as the Yankees won for the fourth time in five games.
Jones has been particularly effective with runners in scoring position, posting a .981 OPS in such situations spanning 46 plate appearances. He has a simple approach with men on base.
“I think something that I learned when I was young, that I’ve always liked, was that when there’s runners on base there’s really no pressure on you at the plate. It’s more so on the pitcher on the mound,” Jones said. “That’s kind of the way I’ve always framed it and just recognize that the guys are going to try to get you out, they’re going to put stuff over the plate. As long as you do your job and don’t go chasing, you’ll get a pitch to hit.”
Jones’ recent emergence — he had a big day in Saturday’s win over the Braves and ace Chris Sale, driving in two runs — has been significant as the injury-ravaged Yankees search for offense. He had one of the biggest hits Wednesday, a two-run double that cut a three-run deficit to one in the third inning. Two innings later, he pulled the Yankees even with another double.
“I feel like he has had some adjustability. You start with obviously his size and strength and speed, and real natural power. He touches it on the barrel, it’s getting hit hard,” manager Aaron Boone said.
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“But I feel like he’s done a good job of having professional at-bats every day. He understands some of his strengths and weaknesses. He has been pretty good at having a plan going up there, and knowing what that pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses are and then making a plan for that. He has shown some adaptability at this level, which has been good.”
