The start to the 2022 season has been tumultuous for Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo, but he’s finally starting to hit his stride after recording his first RBI this past week. Gallo is currently hitting .180 on the season but is still climbing back from being virtually useless as an offensive piece over 21 games. So far this season, Gallo hosts a 42% strikeout rate, 11.6% walk rate, and .295 slugging percentage.
However, in the past four games, Gallo has hit two homers and three RBIs, at least providing some value. Unfortunately against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, Gallo left the game with tightness in his left groin.
The Bombers have been mostly healthy to start the season, which has fueled their offensive run over the past few days. The injury to Gallo isn’t expected to be serious, luckily.
“I’m not concerned at all,’’ Gallo said. “They thought [since it’s] early in the season and cold, come out now and not make it worse.”
The Yankees made the right decision playing the injury with caution, pulling Gallo and giving Tim Locastro a chance to supplement the loss. Locastro made a few solid defensive plays and failed to get on base, but he made good contact during his two at-bats.
After the game, Gallo indicated that he doesn’t believe the injury will be anything too serious, stating that he is feeling good and ready to get back out there.
“I’m feeling really good, so it’s tough to come out,’’ Gallo said. “I feel I’m starting to get there and closer to the player I can be.”
It has been three years since Joey recorded a .253 average with 22 homers during the 2019 season, struggling considerably in 2021, not even reaching .200 with his batting average. He did launch 38 homers, but he was an automatic out on most occasions for the Bombers last year over 58 games.
While he hasn’t broken that trend just yet wearing pinstripes, he’s getting a bit better day by day.