The Yankees’ struggling outfielder comes to the rescue against Dodgers
Originally posted at Empire Sports Media.
By Alexander Wilson| Last updated: 6/10/24.
During a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees got a taste of life without their star player, Juan Soto. Fortunately for the team and fans, Soto is expected to return in the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals.
Despite Jasson Dominguez’s strong performance in Triple-A, Trent Grisham was called upon to fill in as a backup outfielder in Soto’s absence. The Yankees have decided to keep Dominguez active in Triple-A to ensure that he receives regular at-bats rather than intermittent appearances in the majors.
Grisham’s Unexpected Yankee Heroics
Despite receiving harsh criticism and having a batting average of just.083 into Sunday’s game, Grisham found himself in a critical position, batting fifth in the lineup.
The Yankees’ strategic approach paid off when Grisham hit a vital three-run homer in the sixth inning, driving them to a 5-3 lead—a lead they maintained for the rest of the game. Aaron Judge added an insurance run in the eighth with a 434-foot missile, securing the Yankees’ 6-4 victory and preventing a series sweep.
While Grisham’s overall averages are modest (.100/.258/.280), his crucial home run against the Dodgers demonstrated his ability to contribute greatly when required. This performance demonstrated the value of having a depth player like Grisham, who, despite his previous role as a main starter with the San Diego Padres, now plays a different function with the Yankees.
As Soto prepares to return to the lineup, Grisham will return to his job as a depth outfielder, something he has been adjusting to despite being the primary centerfield starter in prior years. While his batting averages have dropped, Grisham remains an above-average defender. The Yankees respect his defensive skills, despite the fact that his offensive performance has fallen short of expectations.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are focused on extending Soto’s contract and incorporating Dominguez into left field to eventually replace Alex Verdugo. Grisham, who is slated to enter free agency in 2026, will most likely remain a backup, though he may seek a more hefty contract elsewhere if he wants to recapture a starting spot.
