RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesNEW YORK – Back in 2009, Mariano Rivera wouldn’t have planned to arrive at Old-Timer’s Day 2026 as part of the last Yankees world championship team.
“It’s unbelievable,’’ the Hall of Fame closer said. “But it’s the truth.’’
At every turn Saturday afternoon, there was someone on the Yanks’ alumni roster who rode up the Canyon of Heroes.
“Hopefully, this is the year,’’ Rivera said of the ’26 team, closer to third place than first. “Hopefully, the big boy comes back, everybody (does) their job and we’ll be OK.’’
Without Aaron Judge (rib fracture) it’s been a daily struggle for runs since mid-June, pressuring a pitching staff that’s been a signature team strength.
Stuck in this awkward Waiting-for-Judge stretch, desperate for a spark, the Yankees summoned George Lombard Jr. from Triple-A.
And late Saturday afternoon, it was Lombard’s all-around game and Spencer Jones’ two RBI – boosting Gerrit Cole’s solid start – that made a difference.
Two Yankees rookies, playing starring roles in a 5-4 win against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves.
George Lombard Jr.'s early impact
“Seems like he’s right at home,’’ Cole said of Lombard, with a key walk against veteran lefty ace Chris Sale in a two-run fifth, and an opposite-field homer vs. Victor Mederos in the seventh.
Since Tuesday, the Yanks are 3-1 in Lombard’s games and he’s impacted each victory, with his sharp defense and big arm at shortstop and his batting approach.
Lombard homered in his debut (2-0 win), was part of Friday’s ninth-inning comeback (3-2 win) and led off Saturday’s fifth with a walk – after successfully ABS challenging consecutive two-strike Sale pitches.
After a hit-by-pitch call was overturned on Jones, the lefty slugger followed with a game-tying RBI triple to center, his second RBI hit off the tough lefty ace.
Ben Rice would add an important solo homer in the eighth, but this Yankee win could be traced to Lombard’s two bold challenges.
“That was as big as anything…that set us up to win a game,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. “More good swings, more quality long at-bats,’’ including a nine-pitch encounter, where Lombard fouled off two tough Sale pitches before striking out.
“He’s in (the at-bat) the whole way and it’s just super competitive,’’ said Boone. “He controls the zone and he’s strong and he’s got power. He’s done outstanding.’’
The confidence game
Immediately following the Old-Timer’s Day game, “George set the (early) tone,’’ Cole said of Lombard’s rangy backhand play and strong throw to retire Drake Baldwin, “fielding it like he was half-asleep.’’
Since his callup, “everybody’s kind of welcomed me and gave me the confidence to keep doing my thing, keep playing my game,’’ said Lombard, 21.
At each level up the Yankees’ system, Lombard has experienced an early, challenging adjustment period.
Yet, “the more I’ve done it over the years, the more comfortable I’ve been…figuring how that level is going to attack you.
“It’s a humbling game. Just try to get a little better,’’ said Lombard, who was already asking about Sunday’s Atlanta starter Grant Holmes’ scouting report, per Jones.
“He wants to work hard, he wants to win,’’ Jones said of his friend Lombard. “His success so far hasn’t surprised me one bit.’’
Gerrit Cole's latest pinstriped milestone
In the fifth inning, Cole’s strikeout of Matt Olson was his 1,000 th as a Yankee.
“It was really cool to do it today,’’ Cole said of being at home, with family and Yankees’ royalty present on Old-Timer’s Day.
“I’m really thankful to get to do it in front of a lot of great Yankees today. That just puts the bow on top.’’
Cole reached the milestone faster in both games (139) and innings (837.2) than any of the previous 12 Yankees pitchers to accomplish it.
What drew Aaron Boone's ire Saturday
Both managers had their issues with plate ump Dan Merzel, starting with Walt Weiss getting ejected over a questionable balk on Sale that plated with the go-ahead run in the fifth.
Boone got heated with Merzel (but was not ejected) about an automatic strike in another of Jose Caballero’s at-bats.
“They got him for circumvention (of the rule, being engaged with the pitcher by the eight-second mark).
Boone said Caballero was at 11 seconds when they called a strike. In any event, “they have to warn him,’’ said Boone, who complained of “petty stuff going on’’ with the umpiring crew that “uncalled for.’’
Per Boone, Caballero has been operating within the updated guidelines of engagement, “unless I get a new memo from the league that changes it again.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: On a day to honor Yankees' past, rookie George Lombard Jr.'s impact resonates
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