The New York Yankees gave up four prospects to the Texas Rangers in exchange for reliever Joely Rodriguez and the prize of their trade deadline: outfielder Joey Gallo. The hulky slugger is streaky, but is a premier power source, takes lots of walks, is sneaky athletic and boasts a terrific glove.
However, Gallo has been slumping, and the Yankees’ offense badly needs his contributions. Over his last seven games, he is hitting .040/.200/.160 with 13 strikeouts in 25 plate appearances. His struggles extend to his last 15 contests (.096/.266/.250) and also to his last 30 (.135/.302/.346).
Gallo is never going to hit .300, but it’s pretty clear he is not performing right now. He only has one hit in his last 25 plate appearances for the Yankees.
Fans are starting to let him know he is not playing well, with boos. However, the left fielder says he is not letting them affect him.
“It is what it is,†Gallo told reporters on Tuesday, according to NJ Advance Media. “You play in New York, you understand that’s going to be part of it. They want a winning product. It’s just part of the business. We’re professional baseball players. You’ve got to go out there and do your job and do it to your best. It’s not anything I’m not too upset about or anything.â€
A rough time with the Yankees
During his 35 games with the Yankees, Gallo is hitting just .130 with 61 strikeouts in 123 at-bats. He does have six homers, but has posted a .617 OPS. With the Rangers, it was comfortably above .800.
Gallo says he has been working to get back on track. “Just trying to get back into the feel I was having earlier in the year. That’s about it. Just getting my swing back to where I feel good, let the ball travel. Just getting back to that,†he said.
Despite the calmness with which he speaks, it’s clear he has been disappointed with his recent performance. He cares.
“I mean, obviously, I want play well. Especially coming to a new team. But at the same time, it’s not the first time. It’s baseball. You’re going to struggle some times. Obviously working hard to get back to where I know I can be and help the team win. So, it’s frustrating not winning games, but that’s part of baseball and I’ve just got to keep working through it and figure it out,†he stated.