Brett Gardner
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner is happy to be on a winning team despite the fact that he might be taking on a smaller role.

Thus far in 2019, Brett Gardner has played well for the New York Yankees. Through 87 games, Gardner is hitting .253 with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. He’s solidified himself as someone who can definitely be an everyday player for the Bronx Bombers.

However, things may change for Gardner and the Yankees at some point. With Aaron Judge back in the lineup, and Cameron Maybin and Giancarlo Stanton returning soon enough from the IL, Gardner could become the fourth outfielder. You’d think that would upset Gardner, but he seems very upbeat and open to the role change.

“I show up and do my job,” Gardner said, per Randy Miller of NJ.com. “It doesn’t matter where I’m playing or hitting in the lineup.”

“I kind of knew what I signed up for,” he added. “I wasn’t really sure what I signed up for, I guess, in the offseason. But I knew it could be a different kind of role, so I’m obviously happy to be getting playing time and be able to contribute.”

The Yankees just resumed play after the All-Star break on Friday. Right now, they’re in a great spot in the standings. They’re currently 59-32, leading the AL East division by six games over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Bombers didn’t slow down after the break either, as they won two out of three at home against the Toronto Blue Jays this past weekend. Gardner spoke on that and how it feels to get back into the swing of things.

“We started off (the second half) on a good note,” Gardner said. “We were playing well up to the break and it was nice to get that time off. At the same time, when you’re playing well, you want to keep on rolling. So it’s nice to see us pick up where we left off.”

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.