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Yankees Call Up No 1 Overall Prospect For MLB Debut
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. After failing to land a new shortstop before the trade deadline on Monday, the New York Yankees are reportedly calling up shortstop George Lombard Jr. from Triple-A for Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium.
Lombard is the Yankees' No. 1 overall prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 20 overall prospect.
The Yankees drafted Lombard out of high school with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The Miami, Florida native earned his first promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 29.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A.
Calling up Lombard could be the start of a new chapter for the Yankees' next long-term shortstop. Volpe was the Yankees' No. 1 overall prospect when he was called up to MLB in 2023. But Volpe still has not lived up to the expectations that were set for him three seasons ago, and now the Yankees are giving Lombard a chance to secure a long-term starting spot on the team.
With every promotion through the Yankees' farm system, Lombard has taken some time to adjust. But after a few weeks, Lombard always finds a way to excel at every level.
One veteran MLB scout expects Lombard to go through a similar transition period with the Yankees.
"It's really impressive to see a young man who consistently struggles at every level, then after four or five weeks, figures it out and flips the switch," said one veteran rival scout, per MLB . "It says a lot about his professionalism and his maturity."
"I wouldn't expect much offense quickly, but I've seen his raw power. He would give you exceptional defense," the scout added. "He's an accurate thrower and an exceptional baserunner. I would bat him near the bottom of the order. He will give you consistent at-bats. I see him as the Yankees' shortstop of the future."
In 56 Triple-A games, Lombard has slashed .268/.405/.440 with an .845 OPS and six home runs. He primarily plays shortstop but has also made three appearances at second base in Triple-A.
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