The New York Yankees‘ 2022 lineup may not be the best in recent memory, but it’s a very solid unit.
The team has, in addition, several pieces who may not be automatic starters, but could be considered as such if they were on a different team.
In other words, the Yankees have depth, at least in theory.
That’s why they are giving left fielder Joey Gallo a breather on Tuesday: Aaron Boone is sending him to the bench.
No Joey Gallo tonight against the lefty Yusei Kikuchi https://t.co/ExQ659TZ7S
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) April 12, 2022
Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu, who typically perform well against left-handed pitchers, are both starting.
Aaron Hicks is in Gallo’s customary left field spot while Aaron Judge is playing center field.
Giancarlo Stanton, often the regular designated hitter, is making a rare start in right field.
Gallo Should Be Back In The Lineup For Next Game
The decision, in reality, doesn’t have to do with the fact that Gallo is hitting .231 on the season (he went 2-for-3 on Monday and that helped him increase his numbers somewhat), but instead, with the fact Gallo is a lefty and struggles against southpaws.
Lefty Yusei Kikuchi will be on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon, thus justifying Gallo’s benching.
He should be out there in the next game, though.
Gallo has been playing better than people think, to be fair.
He has made a lot of loud contact, with the bad luck that some of his batted balls have found gloves instead of grass.
In fact, the only thing missing from Gallo, as of now, is his power.
He is slashing .231/.412/.231 with an incredible 23.5% walk rate and an improved (considering last year) 29.4% strikeout rate.
We may be on the verge of a Gallo breakout.
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