Andrew Velazquez Starting at Shortstop For Yankees in Wild Card Game
With DJ LeMahieu sidelined for the foreseeable future, this paves the way for a young spark plug to take his place in the Yankees’ starting lineup.
The Yankees called up Andrew Velazquez on October 2 and have included him on their Wild Card roster for Tuesday night’s showdown at Fenway. Velazquez is starting at shortstop with Gio Urshela sliding over to third base due to LeMahieu’s absence.
READ: How the Yankees Will Replace DJ LeMahieu to Begin the Postseason
While his overall numbers don’t tell the entire story (one home run, six RBI, .224/.235/.358), Velazquez stepped in for an injured Gleyber Torres in early-August and injected a jolt of energy into the Yankees’ lineup, which led to a 16-6 stretch.
From August 9 to September 1, Velazquez served as the everyday shortstop and slashed .228/.241/.386. He was also a major upgrade defensively over Torres, making some eye-popping web gems in the field and showing off impressive range at his position.
Not to mention, Velazquez produced 4 RBI in the Yankees’ three game set with the Red Sox to help his team complete a crucial series sweep over their AL East rivals in mid-August.
At this point, Tyler Wade is most valuable when coming off the bench and Rougned Odor is 14 for his last 120 dating back to August 1.
Once Torres came back from the IL on September 3, Velazquez only appeared in six more games before the regular season ended. However, another opportunity has now opened up for him to contribute and the Yankees shouldn’t ignore what he brings to the table.
The Bronx native is a spark plug and he proved that during his time filling in at shortstop. And out of the latter two options, Velazquez is certainly the most capable of making something happen on a big stage.
More to get you ready for the American League Wild Card Game:
- Yankees Catch Break As Red Sox Rule Out Slugger For Wild Card Game
- How the Yankees Will Replace DJ LeMahieu to Begin the Postseason
- What Gives Yankees Edge Over Red Sox For Wild Card Game
- Aaron Judge Caps Off Stellar Regular Season in Fitting Fashion
- 'One of the Best Catches I've Ever Seen': Yankees Sound Off on Gio Urshela's Heroic Grab
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