Jacoby’s blast is Ell of a surprise
The Yankees got a burst of power from an unexpected source: Jacoby Ellsbury. The center fielder accounted for four of the six runs the Yankees scored in Saturday’s win over the Mariners, which included a three-run home run in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie.
“That’s a huge hit,” manager Joe Girardi said. “That rally started with no one on and two outs. For him to come up big like that it really opened things.”
Ellsbury now has three home runs in his last 24 plate appearances while he had four homers all season prior to that.
It hasn’t been easy to stay productive for the $153 million man, as he has seen a reduction in playing time this season.
“Just prepare to start, do everything you can,” Ellsbury said. “Work with video, batting cage, in the field and just be ready when your numbers called and help the team win. At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.”
Girardi said Ellsbury has handled the situation as well as anyone can.
“He’s ready everyday. I think he’s handled it very well and I think he cares about winning,” the manager said. “The fact that he’s prepared to play every day says a lot about him.”
99 PROBLEMS
Aaron Judge’s struggles continued on Saturday as the slumping slugger went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts.
He is now 15 for his last 82 and is hitting .176 since the All-Star break.
Girardi plans to give Judge a day off soon, but not because he’s slumping.
“I think at some point in a 29 out of 30 day stretch he’s going to need a day off,” he said.
SIX-MAN ROTATION?
When asked about the possibility of a six-man rotation after Sonny Gray’s performance with an extra day of rest, Girardi would not completely rule it out for the future.
“Just understand it’s when we’re playing everyday and we have a 25-man roster. I am not necessarily saying I wouldn’t do it later on,” he said. “I’m not sure I will but it’s just really hard. We’re carrying eight guys in the bullpen now and at times we’re struggling.”
LOCATING THE PROBLEM
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Aroldis Chapman said after Friday’s loss he has not spotted any mechanical issues with his pitching.
Girardi said it’s not mechanical, it’s simply just locating pitches.
“There’s been walks, some stolen bases, there’s been some things that you have to control,” he said. “If you make mistakes you take a chance of giving up a home run and that’s what happened last night.”
SCHEDULE CHANGE
The Yankees’ Sunday night game against the Red Sox next week has been changed to 7:35 p.m., while their Labor Day matinee against the Orioles in Baltimore will now be at 2:05 p.m.