As the New York Yankees celebrated their seventh annual HOPE week at Yankee Stadium from August 17-21, the team got a major boost at the top of the order, as one of their main catalysts started to find his groove. After an impressive week at the plate, Yankees’ center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury picks up this week’s player of the week honors.
After returning from the disabled list a few weeks ago, Ellsbury greatly struggled at the plate, as he really had a hard time getting back into a groove. After making a few adjustments, Ellsbury is back in rare form, and the Yankees offense is greatly benefitting from it.
Before the week began, the 31-year-old’s batting average dropped to .269, which is low considering that Ellsbury is a career .292 hitter. This past week, Ellsbury hit .379 (11-30) with four runs scored, including four multi-hit games.
With this impressive week at the plate, Ellsbury raised his season average by .010, as he is currently hitting .279 on the season. As a team, the Yankees went 4-3 this past week.
In order for the Yankees offense to be successful, they need Ellsbury to continue swinging a hot bat. Along with Brett Gardner at the top of the order, these two outfielders serve as the table setters for the guys behind them in the lineup, and it is crucial down the stretch that these two guys stay healthy and productive.
Honorable Mention:
Chase Headley: (.346 BA (9-26), 3 Rs, 3 2Bs, 3 RBIs)
Gregory Bird: (.333 BA (8-24), 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 Rs)
Carlos Beltran: (.308 BA (8-26), 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 5 Rs)
Luis Severino: (6 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hs, 6 Ks- 1st MLB win)
