We’re back with another new edition of the New York Yankees top plays during a hot week of action from the Bronx Bombers.
We’ve had Lit Six moments for the New York Yankees that were focused on offense. This week, the defense gets the spotlight.
Sure, they had two sloppy games in a row to open up the series with the Cleveland Indians. However, they pulled off some incredible defensive plays that outshined their lackluster offensive performance this week.
These Yankees were shining brightly on the diamond, helping to pull closer to the red-hot Boston Red Sox.
So it was all about the defense for the Yankees and this week’s Lit Six will proudly display that. Maybe if they keep up the defense while picking up the offense, the Yankees will have a real shot at going far in the playoffs.
So here we go! Take a bite out of this week’s top plays and enjoy them over and over again.
6. Judge’s Leaping Snag
Every single week, Aaron Judge is on this list for SOMETHING awesome he’s done on the field. This time, it was saving a run and helping keep the Yankees within one run of the Detroit Tigers.
With two outs and a runner on second, Judge robbed Miguel Cabrera of a RBI single (or potential double) to help out Masahiro Tanaka.
Judge is a big guy but even so, he still had to make a leaping effort to come down with that ball. Much to the excitement of Yankees fans, Judge found himself being cheered on for his defensive efforts instead of his massive home runs.
We’ve been blessed with his power but Judge also is stellar defensively. Hopefully, we’ll see more of that as the season winds down.
5. Wade’s Jumpman Imitation
In true Derek Jeter fashion, Tyler Wade made an incredible play, leaving his feet and fading away from first base on a grounder.
Us Yankees fans are used to seeing that type of play from shortstop. However, Wade gave us a taste of what it looks like from second base.
To make that stop up the middle in the first place is impressive. But to rear back and have the arm strength to fire a strike to Chase Headley? That is definitely worthy of some recognition on his part.
Wade may not be impressing at the plate but he’s shown us that when it comes to defense, he’s definitely an asset with Starlin Castro on the disabled list.
4. The Todd-Father Owns the Hot Corner
Todd Frazier is not having good at-bats in the Bronx. However, his defense is what is keeping him in the lineup.
This play is a fine example of that. No hit for you, Justin Upton. You just got Fraziered!
The reaction time at the hot corner is something we haven’t seen in a long time and it sure is something we’ll look forward to watching for the rest of the season.
Plus he got a rare high five from CC Sabathia. Well, that’s what happens when you save the inning for your pitcher.
3. Wade’s Miraculous Stop
Tyler Wade made an error in the first inning of this game. However, he made up for it in a big way to nab the out at second base.
Didi Gregorius’ stretch at second was pretty impressive too, but the quick snag and turn from Wade gains all the attention.
Sure, the Yankees lost that game. But this was one of the major highlights, aside from Gary Sanchez’ solo shot. At least he made up for his earlier mistake with this gem.
But look at this play! Watch it over and over again! This will be on the highlight reel at the end of the season.
2. Little Guy Can Fly!
Ronald Torreyes has really stepped up this season. However, his finest moment might have come against the Indians.
Clinging to a one-run lead in the ninth, Torreyes followed up another stellar play with one of his own. Ranging into shallow right field, his diving catch gave Aroldis Chapman the confidence to get one more out.
Watching it happen was practically in slow motion. Torreyes followed the ball all the way and knew right away that he would track it down. What a play by the little guy.
Of course, that play was great but only one other play can top this one this week.
1. Brett Gardner Saves The World…Again
Mr. Gold Glove strikes again! With a four-game losing streak about to be broken, who else do you want in the outfield?
Brett Gardner made an absolutely spectacular catch to rob hot-hitting Jose Ramirez of a potential game-tying hit. That catch was reminiscent of his catch last year against Justin Smoak and the Toronto Blue Jays.
But the VERTICAL on this guy! We knew he had the clutch gene at the plate but I guess he has it on the field as well.
What a snag by Gardner! Seriously, I can’t get over this play. He saved the game and helped them earn the series split against the Indians. All in a day’s work for the lefty.
So, there you have it! We have some defensive gems in this week’s Lit Six. Could next week be full of stellar offensive performances? We’ll have to wait and see!