Boston: Grichuk Seeks Consistency

BOSTON — Randall Grichuk recognized earlier this week that it’s crucial he delivers results soon.

On Tuesday, he made progress.

The Yankees’ versatile outfielder, who has struggled in the early season, showcased his talent by notching two hits, including an RBI double in the eighth inning, contributing to a 4-0 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Grichuk started the game against left-hander Connelly Early, entering with a .100 batting average, and managed to double his hit total for the season.

“He’s not producing much, but he’s making solid contact,” manager Aaron Boone remarked about Grichuk. The outfielder, acquired for his left-handed batting, found limited playtime early on as the team had only one left-handed pitcher available until recently.

While Grichuk has been getting more opportunities, he has often struggled with strikeouts and achieving good contact. However, things took a turn in the second inning when he inadvertently deflected a ball off third baseman Caleb Durbin’s glove into the stands, and later in the eighth, he drove a double into left-center, scoring Cody Bellinger.

Playing part-time and maintaining a sharp swing is undoubtedly tough.

“It’s challenging, it is,” Grichuk admitted. “But I accept it. I find motivation when I see left-handed pitchers.”

Until the weekend, only one left-hander is set to pitch against the Yankees: Ranger Suarez on Wednesday.

This could mean a pivotal moment for Grichuk, especially with Anthony Volpe nearing his return, which could influence his spot on the roster.

Grichuk’s primary rival for a position is J.C. Escala, who could become an option if the team feels Ben Rice can fulfill the backup catcher role.

Volpe began the second week of his rehab assignment on Tuesday, but it seems he might not need it much longer.

The Yankees shortstop plans to play five rehab games this week against Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, following a successful run of four games against Double-A Somerset last week. His performance is promising, with two hits out of four at-bats and a home run on Tuesday, bringing his rehab stats to six hits from 15 at-bats, two stolen bases, one walk, and four strikeouts across five games.

“He handled everything really well,” Boone noted. “If all goes smoothly, he’s hoping to play several innings consecutively this week.”

Volpe managed to play back-to-back games at Double-A last Thursday and Friday, and even logged seven innings on Sunday. Boone hinted that he might be able to participate in three consecutive days this week, emphasizing the importance of building endurance over playing a full nine-inning game.

“Typically, I’ve never had players practicing beyond nine innings in spring training,” Boone stated. “It’s more about game time, the rhythm, and consistency. He’s clearly getting closer.”

If progress continues, Volpe could rejoin the Yankees as soon as next week for a series against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, or possibly wait for a homecoming against the Orioles on May 1.

Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are set to begin their respective rehabs at High-A Hudson Valley this Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday, Cole will be making his second rehab start, likely throwing over 50 pitches as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Rodon will kick off his rehabilitation on Friday following delays due to a hamstring issue, having just practiced batting recently.

The left-hander is expected to undergo at least three rehab sessions before being ready to return to the Yankees.

Before the Mets extended their losing streak to 12 games on Tuesday, Boone reached out to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, a former bench coach.

“I think he’s an excellent guy and is very capable at what he does,” Boone said. “It’s tough to go through something like this, and it’s important to empathize with one another. It’s definitely a challenge, but he’s equipped to handle it.”