Gary Phillips
@garyhphillips.bsky.social
Yankees beat writer for the New York Daily News
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Gary Phillips@garyhphillips.bsky.social · 4h agoI spent a few minutes with George Lombard Sr. as his son dazzled in his MLB debut for the #Yankees. George Jr. was surprised that the #Tigers, in Seattle, let his dad make the trip, but it was something A.J. Hinch signed off on in advance.
I spent a few minutes with George Lombard Sr. as his son dazzled in his MLB debut for the #Yankees. George Jr. was surprised that the #Tigers, in Seattle, let his dad make the trip, but it was something A.J. Hinch signed off on in advance.
How George Lombard Jr.’s dad soaked in son’s ‘unbelievable’ Yankees debut
The younger Lombard was surprised that his dad, the Tigers’ bench coach, was able to make it to Yankee Stadium.
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George Lombard Jr. took his MLB debut "by storm," played defense like a "puma," crushed a homer he "won’t forget forever,” and gave the #Yankees renewed optimism that their future is bright at shortstop. On his all-around awesome big league arrival and expectations for the 21-year-old:
George Lombard Jr. homers in MLB debut as Yankees start anew at shortstop
Just three years ago, the Yankees handed the position to another top prospect, Anthony Volpe. Now it’s Lombard’s turn to try and take hold of the job.
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George Lombard Jr.'s MLB career has begun. On the top prospect's debut, what to expect from him on offense and defense, and the #Yankees starting anew at shortstop:
Yankees start anew at shortstop with George Lombard Jr.’s debut
Just three years ago, the Yankees handed the position to another top prospect, Anthony Volpe. Now it’s Lombard’s turn to try and take hold of the job.
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The #Yankees added a few bats to their needy lineup, but Brian Cashman didn’t check off every box on his trade deadline shopping list. Most notably, he failed to acquire a RHH catcher & a high-leverage reliever. Now the Bombers are forced to rely on internal options. It's a risky contingency.
Yankees forced to fall back on internal options after underwhelming trade deadline
The Yankees didn’t stand pat prior to Monday’s trade deadline, but the buying ballclub and Brian Cashman didn’t do all the shopping they needed to, either.
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Brian Cashman acknowledged the #Yankees explored a limited trade market for shortstops. He came to the conclusion that his best option was already in his org. “We like the players we have,” he said post-deadline, “and we like the players we have on the come.” Now it's George Lombard Jr. time.
Yankees promoting top prospect George Lombard Jr., demote Anthony Volpe
The Yankees are ready to promote their next hopeful shortstop of the future. The team will call up top prospect George Lombard Jr. in time for Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals.
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Brian Cashman said the catching position was "clearly" an "issue" for the #Yankees last month, but they failed to add the RHH backstop they've long wanted before Monday's trade deadline. There were some talks about Adley Rutschman and others, but nothing ever materialized behind the plate.
Yankees fail to address catching ‘issue’ before trade deadline
Meanwhile, the rival Red Sox acquired Adley Rutschman from the Orioles.
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The #Yankees, in need of a right-handed hitter, have found one in the #Gaints' Heliot Ramos. The outfielder, while not the best defender, has an .835 OPS against southpaws this season and an .847 OPS against them for his career. He's also under club control for a while.
Yankees acquiring righty-swinging Heliot Ramos from Giants
With Luis García Jr., a lefty swinger, already acquired from the Nationals, the Yankees’ hope is that he and Ramos will boost an injury-riddled offense.
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The #Yankees, in need of a right-handed hitter, have found one in the #Gaints' Heliot Ramos. The outfielder, while not the best defender, has an .835 OPS against southpaws this season and an .847 OPS against them for his career. He's also under club control for a while.
Yankees acquiring righty-swinging Heliot Ramos from Giants
With Luis García Jr., a lefty swinger, already acquired from the Nationals, the Yankees’ hope is that he and Ramos will boost an injury-riddled offense.
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Contrary to a report saying otherwise, a source said a Will Warren-Adrian Morejon trade proposal was not discussed by the #Yankees and #Padres. The Yanks have interest in Morejon, but he's a rental reliever, and Warren won't hit free agency until 2031.
Reported Yankees-Padres proposal involving Will Warren, Adrian Morejon refuted
Morejon is going to be a free agent at the end of the season. Warren won’t hit the open market until 2031.
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"He rakes," Aaron Boone said of Luis García Jr. A look at what the first baseman — being acquired from the #Nationals — brings to the #Yankees, why he's an imperfect fit for a desperate offense, how he could be deployed, and more:
Yankees acquiring Luis García Jr. in trade with Nationals: source
Luis García Jr., born in New York City, is an imperfect fit for the Yankees, but he brings some sorely-needed offense.
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Like much of the baseball world, #Yankees manager Aaron Boone was hardly stunned that the #Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal.
Yankees’ Aaron Boone hardly shocked Dodgers’ landed Tarik Skubal
Aaron Boone also tried to stay neutral when asked if the Dodgers are good or bad for the game.
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The #Yankees' rotation has been brilliant. The offense, on the other hand, is a mess. Saturday was another reminder of that, as a lineup fit for a mid-March game at Steinbrenner Field demonstrated why it needs help before the trade deadline.
Yankees’ offense, in desperate need of help, wasting rotation’s brilliant work
CHICAGO — The Yankees’ starting rotation has been brilliant. The offense? Not so much. Saturday provided yet another example of the two units trending in opposite directions, as the second-place Yan...
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The #Yankees thought they could unlock Camilo Doval's tantalizing talent. They spent time working with him in the DR over the winter to make it happen. Alas, it never worked out, and Doval found himself far removed from Aaron Boone's circle of trust before the #Pirates agreed to trade for him.
Yankees dumping Camilo Doval in trade with Pirates: sources
A year after acquiring Camilo Doval at the trade deadline, the Yankees are sending him packing.
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The Women's Professional Baseball League begins its inaugural season today. I wrote about a few of the Garden State natives playing in the new league, and what they want to represent, for NJ Monthly. “I really hope to be the player and the visual that I never had growing up."
NJ's Own Look to Make Their Mark in New National Women's Baseball League
A number of baseball players, including Sabrina Robinson and Mo'ne Davis, from New Jersey are playing in the new Women's Pro Baseball League.
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Spencer Jones has always been a talked about trade chip. Now that he's producing in the majors, he’s all the more intriguing. Not just for other suitors, but also for a #Yankees team that desperately needs offense and OF help. A look at Jones, who has more than held his own, as the deadline nears:
Spencer Jones has held his own. Will the Yankees hold onto him?
Spencer Jones is showing that he can hit in the majors as the trade deadline nears.
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“I had fun today for the first time in a long time," Will Warren said after blanking the #Cubs for 6.2 innings. The performance was a much-needed one for Warren, who had 6.57 ERA over his last 8 starts, and a reminder as to why he's an enticing arm as the #Yankees navigate the trade deadline.
Will Warren rebounds amid trade rumors as homers carry Yankees’ quiet bats in win over Cubs
Warren spun his best start in some time on Friday, holding the Cubs scoreless over 6.2 innings in the Yankees’ rainy win at Wrigley Field.
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Some thoughts and notes on the #Yankees' deadline needs, potential targets, trade chips and more:
Reviewing the Yankees’ deadline needs, potential targets and trade chips
As other teams continue to deliberate, here’s a look at some of the Yankees’ needs, potential targets and some pieces they can trade.
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Some #Yankees stuff... ⚾️ Thoughts on a few right-handed OF bats: www.nydailynews.com/2026/07/28/y... ⚾️ Carlos Lagrange has resumed throwing ahead of schedule. Could he still be a bullpen option before the season ends? ⚾️ Dax Kilby has some fans with the #Padres:
Yankees’ Carlos Lagrange resumes throwing, Dax Kilby has fans in San Diego
Lagrange started throwing “a handful of days ago,” Aaron Boone said.
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The #Yankees have a few young players with big league experience who could be used as trade chips, but they've got some flaws, too.
The Yankees have trade chips with MLB experience… and plenty of flaws
If the Yankees want to improve their big league roster before the trade deadline, it’s possible they’ll have to subtract from it.
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With the trade deadline approaching, the #Yankees are one of a few teams in need of a backstop, but it's unclear how many quality catchers will be moved. Jotted down some thoughts/notes on a few of the names out there and Austin Wells, who has shown signs of life at the plate recently.
Yankees aren’t the only team in need of a catcher ahead of the trade deadline
Even with Austin Wells showing signs of life, it’s no secret that the Yankees are shopping for a catcher.
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While Cody Bellinger is awaiting tests, his hamstring gives the #Yankees' lineup yet another injury concern with the trade deadline approaching. “Obviously, he’s a huge member of our team... So whether it’s some time or not, hopefully it’s on the minor side, but we’ll see.”
Cody Bellinger adds to Yankees’ injury concerns with trade deadline approaching
Cody Bellinger had to exit Saturday’s game after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring.
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“That’s about as well pitched a game as you’re going to see both sides,” Aaron Boone said after Cam Schlittler dueled with Jesús Luzardo in the #Yankees' 1-0 win over the #Phillies. Brent Headrick also played a part, pulling off an escape act as he lowered his ERA to 1.38.
Cam Schlittler shines, Brent Headrick escapes as Yankees edge out Phillies
Schlittler, the Yankees’ young ace, fell just short of his career-high of 13 strikeouts.
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It wasn't the most popular move at the time, but the #Yankees had their reasons for re-signing Paul Blackburn. And he had reasons for staying. Now Blackburn is one of the surprising arms mitigating the club's bullpen needs before the trade deadline (though NY is still expected to add RP help).
No longer a ‘secret,’ Paul Blackburn among ‘surprise’ arms mitigating Yankees’ deadline needs
The Yankees still need some bullpen help. But the breakout success of Blackburn and others may let the Bombers save some trade chips for other needs.
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With Mason Miller rumors swirling, here's a look at why he'd be great but costly fit in NY, and what the #Yankees have to offer the #Padres for the star closer:
Can Yankees, Padres match up again with Mason Miller rumors swirling?
The Yankees already have a dependable ninth-inning man in David Bednar, but adding a pitcher of Miller’s caliber is a tantalizing idea.
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“It would be nice to be able to both be active at the same time instead of being hurt,” Max Fried said after Gerrit Cole returned from Tommy John surgery. That will finally happen on Wednesday, as the #Yankees' aces will pitch both games of a doubleheader following a surprising change of plans:
Change of plans: Yankees will activate Max Fried, finally pair him with Gerrit Cole
If all goes according to plan, Max Fried will come off the injured list next week when the Yankees are in Chicago to play the White Sox.
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A day after saying he's "sucked," Jazz Chisholm Jr. played the part of hero again with a 2-homer game. According to him, the double-dinger display came after #Yankees teammates, including Aaron Judge & Anthony Volpe, sat him down for words of encouragement.
A day after saying he’s ‘sucked,’ Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays hero in win over Pirates
With two home runs, Chisholm spearheaded the Yankees’ win over the Pirates.
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José Caballero's pitch clock routine was at the center of a bench-clearing between the #Yankees & #Pirates on Monday, as his batter's box habits enraged Dennis Santana. Both spoke about the incident afterward:
Yankees, Pirates clear benches after José Caballero’s pitch clock antics enrage Dennis Santana
Monday was not the first time this season Caballero’s pitch clock routine has rankled adversaries or caused confusion.
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“I’ve sucked all season. The numbers speak for themselves,” Jazz Chisholm Jr. said, but his ability to help the #Yankees late in games has been a silver lining in a disappointing season. Such was the case again on Sunday night, as his 8th-inning homer stopped the #Dodgers from sweeping NY.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., bullpen help Yankees avoid Dodgers sweep despite quiet offense
The Yankees prevailed by a hair, beating Los Angeles, 2-1, and avoiding a series sweep
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Cam Schlittler made it no secret that he had a matchup with the #Dodgers circled, but he fell short in his first start against the back-to-back champs before the #Yankees' wheels fell off Sunday. Meanwhile, Yoshinobu Yamamoto spun a complete game, cruising against an offense short on firepower.
Dodgers dominate as Yankees turn highly-anticipated pitching matchup into laugher
Cam Schlittler fell short. Then the Yankees’ wheels fell off as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers cruised to a win.
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