Inside The Pinstripes

Rougned Odor Breaks Through With 'Huge' Home Run

New York Yankees second baseman Rougned Odor broke out of a slump with a go ahead home run in a comeback win over the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium

Max Goodman

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK — Just when it seemed like Rougned Odor was incapable of producing in a big spot, the Yankees second baseman delivered when his team needed him the most. 

Odor crushed a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning on Wednesday night, a moment that played a key role in New York's 6-5 comeback victory over the Royals.

The blast sizzled through the air at 109 mph, igniting the crowd at Yankee Stadium into a thunderous roar as it cleared the right-center field wall, flying into the Yankees' bullpen.

"It was huge," manager Aaron Boone said after the game. "Really put a charge in it obviously. Had a walk earlier in the game. Even though it was lefty-lefty, we didn't hate the matchup. He got a pitch down and out over the plate and he did not miss it."

The second baseman explained that he was looking to put a good swing on the ball, staying within himself with the game on the line. After striking out with the bases loaded back in the second inning, he just wanted to help his team win.

"He threw me a fastball that I was looking for and I put a good swing on it and I hit it out," Odor said. "I was just trying to do my best in that situation."

The homer saved Zack Britton, who gave up one run in the top of the eighth, handing Kansas City a late lead. Closer Aroldis Chapman then gave the advantage right back to the visiting team with another shaky performance, permitting two runs to score in the top of the ninth.

A home run from Gary Sánchez and a walk-off double off the bat of Luke Voit would clinch New York's sixth win in their last eight games, though.

Voit's Walk-Off Lifts Yankees Past Royals in Another Comeback Victory

Since he was acquired by the Rangers in April, Odor has struggled to produce consistently in pinstripes. While there have been a handful of moments where the fiery infielder has contributed in the nick of time—or gone off at the plate in a single game—it's been a challenge for him to be dependable at the plate.

Odor entered play on Wednesday hitting .193 this season with 40 strikeouts and a .647 OPS in 43 games played. 

Perhaps his heroics against the Royals can point Odor in the right direction, giving him a foundation to build upon at the plate. With Voit back from the injured list, however, odds are Odor's playing time will be limited (as DJ LeMahieu returns to his full-time role at second base). 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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