The New York Yankees received some positive news following George Lombard Jr.’s MRI, though it is not a complete cause for celebration.
The team and Lombard confirmed Sunday that there is no structural damage to the young shortstop’s right knee. The scare occurred during Saturday’s nightcap of a doubleheader, when Lombard exited the game prematurely following an awkward check swing.
However, Lombard noted that the scan did reveal “a little inflammation” and “soreness in the patella” area. This discomfort kept him out of the lineup for the series finale against the Red Sox in the Bronx.
Manager Aaron Boone described Lombard as “day to day” and expressed optimism regarding his quick return. When asked about the possibility of an injured list placement, Lombard remained cautious, stating, “As of now, no, but we still don’t really know yet.”
The 21-year-old has experienced a rollercoaster start to his Major League career, characterized by impressive hitting and a recent, challenging six-game error streak that has since concluded. During his first at-bat on Saturday, he attempted to check his swing and immediately experienced pain in his back knee.
“Felt something a little off,” Lombard said, explaining that he left the game before the fourth inning as his knee began to tighten. He described the incident as a “freak thing” involving a combination of the check swing and attempting to move out of the path of the pitch.
In Lombard’s absence, José Caballero returned to the shortstop position. Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe continues his assignment in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where Boone noted he has been utilized defensively at third base to broaden his skill set.
The roster adjustments led to Caballero starting at shortstop against the Red Sox, with Amed Rosario at third base and Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base to counter lefty starter Ranger Suarez.
When questioned about potential backup options for the infield—noting that the current bench includes Spencer Jones, Ben Rice, and Austin Wells—Boone offered a lighthearted response.
“We’ll figure it out,” Boone said.