New York Yankees fans are growing impatient with shortstop Anthony Volpe’s lack of progress.
But that doesn’t mean the organization should rush a top prospect to replace him. George Lombard Jr. will turn 21 in June and hasn’t reached Triple-A yet.
“George Lombard Jr. is just 20 years old and posted a .695 OPS in 108 Double-A games last season, but the expectations are — perhaps unfairly — high,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote Monday. “That’s what happens when you’re the Yankees’ top prospect, and fans are clamoring for a replacement for Anthony Volpe at shortstop.”
The talking point was similar for Volpe, who graduated through the minors quite fast, playing just 275 games across five levels.
When will Lombard reach the Majors?
Lombard could make his Major League debut as soon as this season, but he will need an impressive showing at Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“Whether he debuts this season will depend on his performance in the minors and the Yankees’ needs, but the franchise considers him a significant part of its future. When, exactly, is unclear,” Castillo added.
Until Lombard is on the field at Yankee Stadium, fans will continue to believe the hype surrounding him. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a player’s shoulders.
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