Alex Verdugo’s timing was certainly ironic.
Maybe competition truly does breed excellence. Improved results, at least.
The polarizing left fielder clubbed a two-run homer to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning of their 10-4 win over the Royals on Monday night in The Bronx.
Verdugo had gone 52 at-bats since his last home run.
Yankees offense with Jasson Dominguez shows playoff potential in win over Royals
But it was only Verdugo’s second at-bat since the Yankees’ top-ranked prospect, Jasson Dominguez, was called up to the major league roster again .
Though Verdugo, who later added a single that helped the Yankees break the game open, started in left field with Dominguez in center on Monday, Dominguez is likely to cut into Verdugo’s time the most.
Aaron Judge, who normally plays center field, was the designated hitter on Monday as manager Aaron Boone gave Giancarlo Stanton, the usual designated hitter, a night off.