Sanchez’s handling of rocky ride has earned respect
NEW YORK — While he’s still somewhat of a punching bag for Yankee fans, Gary Sanchez remains a respected figure in the clubhouse. Everyone in his orbit is aware of the lumps Sanchez has taken this season, but with a home run on Monday — amid loud conversations about his playing time and future with the team — the catcher ingratiated himself to his teammates and coaches.
“No one is going to be perfect playing this game,” Sanchez said on Monday. “Even if you look at Gold Glovers, they’re going to make some mistakes. You have to understand that you’re going to make mistakes, but you can’t let that carry over.”
“One of the things I’ve gained some admiration for over the course of the year — he’s been through a lot here in his entire career, this year was scuffling early on and lost some playing time — but he put his nose down and worked,” manager Aaron Boone said of Sanchez.
The home run put the Yankees on the board and got things rolling toward a slump-busting win. It was Sanchez’s 22nd of his tumultuous 2021 campaign, one that has seen him put through the wringer.
“Huge, huge,” Torres said. “I feel like Gary’s getting better and better and gaining more confidence. He’s been working out and making the adjustments.”
“I’ve gained a lot of respect for the man,” Boone said. “He’s become a smart worker now. He knows how to prepare. He does a good job of blocking things out and moving on.”
Gleyber gets hot: Something about the Subway Series got Gleyber Torres back on track.
Since September 10, the first day of the Yankees’ three-gamer against the Mets, Torres is hitting a robust .317/.378/.439. The infielder who’s
been pushed to second base has not let the position change hurt his hitting. He’s riding a seven-game hitting streak entering Tuesday’s game, a stretch in which he’s exclusively played second base.
Loaisiga loose: Jonathan Loaisiga threw from 120 feet prior to Tuesday’s game, with a bullpen session tentatively scheduled for Friday. “I watched most of his catch,” Boone remarked. “I thought he looked really good, throwing free and easy. I know each of these days has gone well for him as he’s been re-introduced to throwing.” The plan is still, definitively, to have Loaisiga back before the regular season ends.