Things didn't go so well for the Yankees, who lost 4-2 to the Royals in Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday.
For some reason, the highlight may have been playing a position he had never played before.
The absence of Anthony Rizzo, who broke two fingers on his right hand, has created a bit of a revolving door at first base for the Yankees, and it's happening at the most critical time of the season.
After initially using Oswaldo Cabrera in Game 1 of the ALDS vs. the Royals, Aaron Boone started John Barty in Game 2.
Berti entered Monday having never played a game in this position as a professional.
“I feel good about him, just like Cabrera,” Boone said before the game. “John's a really good infielder and really played a role in the job he did over there this week. He's very athletic.”
Despite the loss, Berti was great throughout.
He grabbed a cutoff throw from the right and caught Michael Garcia on a rundown to end the fourth.
And Berti became even more influential in the sixth inning when he had runners on the corners and one out, pinch hitter MJ Melendez flipped a liner and Berti caught the ball, turning it into a double play to end the inning.
After the game, Berti said, “I'm trying my best to learn and become an athlete.” “Overall it felt good. I don't expect it to be perfect. I'm just trying to be a baseball player, so I felt very comfortable.”
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In the bottom of the 9th inning, Berti extended the game with a single to right field.
It's unclear whether Barty will start again, but after converted catcher Ben Rice saw increased playing time over the summer, Boone raised the possibility of rookie Ben Rice starting during the series. Because it wasn't excluded.
“Part of this is [Rizzo] Injury with 2 days left [regular] season,” Boone said. “So we were in a bit of a pickle roster-wise.”
Cabrera did well there Saturday, making a nice scoop on shortstop Anthony Volpe's throw into the dirt and crediting Rizzo for linking up with all three potential fill-ins.
Barty was acquired from the Marlins as part of a three-team trade late in spring training to replace DJ LeMahieu, who started the year with a foot injury.
However, Berti went down with a groin strain less than two weeks into the regular season, and even after returning in early May, he was sidelined for more than three months with a calf strain.
Prior to this season, Berti played every position except first base and catcher.
Boone said Berti played several spring training games here early in his career.
“I feel like he deserves to be there,” Boone said of Berti. “If you plan on doing this for a long time, [postseason]he will play a big role for us. He had a really great week there. ”
The manager also cited Berti's speed and batting skills as part of his decision.
Although injuries limited him to just 74 at-bats with the Yankees this season, he had a productive year at the plate with the Marlins a year ago, posting an .804 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
“He's a really talented infielder and brings an element to our lineup,” Boone said. “It made a lot of sense.”
