Alex Verdugo is making more of an argument to start every day in the starting lineup for the New York Yankees when the MLB playoffs start in 2024. Verdugo had a terrible July slump, slashing.104/.173/.125 with a worrisome.298 OPS in 13 games from July 7 to July 24. But after that, the 28-year-old has returned to his previous form, amassing 43 hits in his last 48 games, 12 of which he has turned into RBIs.
The native of Arizona is staking his claim to a big postseason role, similar to the one he had for the most of the regular season when he was a featured player. With a go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 6-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Verdugo gave the Yankees their 94th victory of the year to complete off their 2024 campaign.
Verdugo began the season batting sixth but has spent the majority of his time at fourth in the Yankees’ batting order. Since August, he has moved up and down the order, starting at leadoff and finishing in the eighth position. With Ben Rice still in the mix, the Yankees’ midseason purchase of outstanding slugger Jazz Chisholm Jr. and their eagerly anticipated call-up of top prospect Jasson Dominguez have created a congested race for the final few spots.
Nevertheless, as Aaron Boone of the Yankees prepares to make a decision, his recent play and experience have given him a favorable impression.
The Yankees (94-66) are the American League’s top seed and, as such, will have the luxury of choosing their starting pitcher and outfielder wisely in anticipation of a potential World Series run this autumn. Thus far in his postseason history, Verdugo has demonstrated mastery. He has an impressive.310 batting average, a .835 OPS, six RBIs, and three doubles throughout 11 playoff games.
The Yankees will need that kind of efficiency from the eight-year veteran in addition to his exceptional playmaking out of left field if they are to defeat the American League team that has managed to deny them the Commissioners Trophy in previous years.
Be the first to comment