If you're going to pull off a slick bit of defensive magic, timing it for when a big name is watching doesn’t hurt your case. That’s exactly what Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. managed to do when Jazz Chisholm was in Somerset on Thursday night. Having Chisholm in the stands as a witness to the play surely added a bit of sparkle to an already impressive display.
Imagine this: Chisholm at third with a runner on first, both in support of fellow rehabbing pitcher JT Brubaker. Lombard Jr. sized up an infield pop, let it fall intentionally, and then zinged the ball to first.
The first baseman quickly threw it to second, catching the runner trapped and moving in the wrong direction. Was this play drawn up on a whiteboard?
Who knows! Even the commentators were left buzzing with excitement, as Lombard Jr.'s astute play helped them escape the inning smoothly, leaving Chisholm clearly impressed on the sidelines.
It wasn't just Lombard Jr. who shone that night. Brubaker locked down a solid four shutout innings on the mound, a fact that shouldn't be overlooked.
George Lombard Jr.’s growing legend added another chapter with an unexpected guest in attendance.
A Yankee-in-waiting, displaying wisdom and creativity in the field? Sounds about right for Lombard Jr.
Starting the season with a hefty dose of prospect hype, Lombard Jr. has only seen his reputation soar among scouts and analysts. According to Baseball America, he sits at an impressive 23rd on their latest Top 100 prospect list. Across all respected publications, he's holding firm in the top 50 entering summer, suggesting a consensus on his potential.
While everyone’s keeping an eye on him for a 2027 big league debut, Lombard Jr. seems intent on rewriting that timeline. With every jaw-dropping play, that date looms nearer. He could very well challenge Chisholm for the third base spot next season, allowing Jazz to return to second base.
For now, though, Lombard Jr. is making his mark with the Somerset Patriots, showcasing his skills six times a week with the possibility of a move up to Triple-A as the season progresses. While he's still adjusting to Double-A pitching—with a batting average of .206—his ability to judge the strike zone remains sharp, evidenced by a stellar .356 OBP.
Without a doubt, Lombard Jr.’s defense and creative flair are staying top-notch, providing Yankees fans an exciting glimpse into the future.
