Castro & Didi play power ball

SEATTLE – The Yankees had high hopes for both Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro when they acquired the infielders over the past two winters, but the Bombers are getting more than they bargained for.

Both players have hit 17 home runs, establishing new career highs. With 57 (Gregorius) and 56 (Castro) RBI apiece, the pair were 1-2 in both homers and RBI among current Yankees, combining for the sixth-most home runs for any middle-infield duo in the majors this season.

“When you think about it, we might get 40 home runs from the middle of our infield this year; I think it’s very realistic,” Joe Girardi said. “That’s really encouraging as we move forward. They’re both 26 years old; they’re still really young players. Castro, it seems like he’s been playing forever, but they’re still young players and that power is probably going to develop more.”

This marks the sixth season in Yankees history in which two middle infielders have both hit at least 17 home runs, the first that didn’t include Derek Jeter as one half of that combination.

Castro hit two homers Monday night, the fourth multihomer game of his career. Gregorius’ previous season-high was nine homers, set last year, while Castro’s was 14, which he did in both 2012 and ’14.

“I think hitters start to evolve and they get stronger as time goes on,” Girardi said. “It’s been nice to see.”

‘FINAL STRAW’

One day after giving up a decisive three-run home run in the sixth inning, Anthony Swarzak was placed on the 15day disabled list with right rotator cuff inflammation. The righthander said he’s been dealing with the issue for a couple weeks, but assumed he would be able to pitch through it.

“Last night was the final straw for me in trying to pitch through some discomfort,” said Swarzak, who has allowed 10 home runs in 29 innings this season. “As a pitcher, we all go through stretches where we’re not feeling too well; usually we

STAT OF THE DAY

Masahiro Tanaka has struck out at least eight batters without issuing a walk in each of his last three starts, tying a majorleague record.

TEST YOUR YANKEES IQ

Gary Sanchez and Starlin Castro became the first Yankees teammates since 2012 to hit two home runs in the same game. Who was the last pair to accomplish the feat?

NEXT GAME

Wednesday, 3:40 p.m., at Seattle, Masahiro Tanaka (10-4, 3.24) vs. Hisashi Iwakuma (14-8, 3.78). TV: YES just pitch through it and get stronger and better. This was something that wasn’t feeling better, so I had to stop being selfish and think about the team. I can’t keep doing what I’ve been doing.”

The Yankees recalled Ben Heller from Triple-A, bringing back one of the pitchers they received from the Indians in the Andrew Miller trade last month. “We really like his arm,” Girardi said. “He’s a guy that we hope can bridge to the seventh and eighth inning. He’s got power stuff and a good breaking ball. We haven’t gotten him in a game yet, so we’ll try to put him in a situation where there’s not too much pressure, but sometimes it doesn’t work that way.”

COLD JUDGE

Since opening his career 3-for-7 with two home runs, Aaron Judge has struggled at the plate, going 5-for-25 with no homers, five RBI and 11 strikeouts while posting a slash line of .200/.280/.261 in his past seven games.

Despite the poor numbers, Girardi has liked Judge’s approach at the plate.

“I think he’s been fairly patient and I don’t think he’s chased a lot,” Girardi said.