Yankees Rookie George Lombard Jr. Sets 6-Game Error Streak, First Since 1915

Q: Will a historic defensive collapse cost this highly touted Yankees rookie his starting job during a heated playoff race?

Probably not yet, but his leash is clearly shorter now. The Yankees promoted George Lombard Jr. to play, not to sit. Aaron Boone said when Lombard arrived that the plan was “mostly shortstop” and that he would “get run,” and Boone has continued to publicly back him through this slump. Even after Lombard’s seventh error in 20 games and a six-game error streak not seen from a Yankees shortstop since 1915, Boone emphasized the 21-year-old’s tools, arm strength and defensive foundation, saying he believes Lombard will work through it. That support matters because the organization’s long-term view of Lombard has not changed. He was called up as a top prospect with a strong minor league defensive reputation, and teammates such as Gerrit Cole and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have echoed that the Yankees still trust his makeup and work ethic. He also has shown offensive flashes, including a debut home run and a triple Thursday. Still, the timing makes the issue more urgent. New York is entering a four-game series with Boston holding only a two-game lead for the top AL wild-card spot, and every extra out is magnified in a playoff race. If the errors keep directly affecting games, Boone could reduce pressure with a day off, more matchup-based use, or a temporary shift in infield alignment. For now, there is no clear sign he is losing the starting job immediately. But if the mistakes continue through this Red Sox series and begin costing wins, the Yankees may have little choice but to adjust.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 28

Six straight games with an error have put George Lombard Jr. in unwanted Yankees history, making the rookie the first New York shortstop since Roger Peckinpaugh in 1915 to reach that mark.
Seven errors in 20 games have undercut an otherwise promising debut for the 21-year-old, whose latest misplay came in Thursday’s 5-1 loss to Houston and helped produce an Astros run.
Aaron Boone said the eighth-inning grounder was an in-between play that may have caused indecision, while Lombard called the streak unacceptable and said he must clean it up quickly.
New York, 75-58, now heads into a four-game weekend series against Boston with a two-game edge over the Red Sox for the top American League wild-card spot.