The New York Yankees are currently enjoying a six-game win streak, sweeping the Chicago White Sox over the weekend. Now nine games above .500, the Yankees are preparing to take on the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday evening, but they still have a few issues in the outfield due to injuries. Giancarlo Stanton is still working his way back from a quad issue, Ryan LaMarre pulled his hamstring last Wednesday, and Aaron Hicks is expected to miss significant time with a wrist injury.
However, one of their young starters made his return from neck stiffness on Sunday, posting three hits on the afternoon. Clint Frazier, who is currently hitting .171 with four homers and seven RBIs, is starting to pick things up on the offensive side of the ball.
“I had a lot of time to continue to watch some of my past at-bats and try to find out how I can incorporate what I was doing well back then into what I’m trying to do today,†said Frazier. “It felt good. I felt good from the jump, so I’m just glad to be in the lineup and try to come up big whenever I get the opportunity.â€
The Yankees need Clint to take a step forward:
Over his last seven games, Frazier is hitting .273 with six hits over 22 at-bats. He’s also stolen two bases, showcasing some of his speed at 26 years old. The former first-round pick back in 2013 is slowly starting to gain momentum, which is exactly what the Yankees need us their offense fights to pick up the slack with some of their starters out.
Thankfully, the starting pitching has been phenomenal as of late, currently on a 35 inning streak without letting up an earned run. This team still isn’t firing on all cylinders, but Frazier’s growth is reason for optimism, as the bottom of the order has struggled at times this year. Frazier currently lands in the eighth spot in the order, so having an efficient hitter to help aid the top of the unit would be beneficial.
Frazier is the type of player who simply needs more reps and live-action to experience progress, so it is no surprise he slowly inching up in the batting average category and getting on base more efficiently.