The New York Yankees shouldn't be too concerned about George Lombard Jr. just yet.
When the New York Yankees promoted George Lombard Jr. from the minor leagues, he was billed as a slick-fielding shortstop whose bat was still coming along.
But through Lombard's first 20 major-league games, it actually seems to be other way around.
Lombard hasn't been fantastic at the plate, owning a .264/.317/.389 slash line with two home runs and six RBI over 79 trips to the dish, but he has at least looked somewhat seasoned, displaying impressive plate discipline and the ability to hit to all fields.
Defensively, however, he has been an adventure.
Yes, the 21-year-old has made some sparkling plays, and the fact that he has already posted six defensive runs saved is concrete evidence of that. But he has also committed an error in six straight games and seven errors overall.
Lombard is also the first Yankee shortstop to have an error in six consecutive contests in over 100 years. The last time it happened was all the way back in 1915.
This is obviously alarming considering that Lombard was hailed as an elite defensive prospect, and he is manning one of the most important defensive positions on the diamond.
And remember: Anthony Volpe, who is now a pariah in the Bronx, won a Gold Glove during his rookie campaign in 2023.
So how worried should the Yankees actually be about Lombard?
Well, I don't think there is any reason to break the emergency glass just yet. Lombard still looks very smooth in the field most of the time. His range is spectacular, he has a cannon for an arm and he is incredibly athletic.
But, there is no question that his could become an issue if it gets into his head, much like it appeared to for Volpe last season ... and for second baseman Chuck Knoblauch many years ago.
Remember when Knoblauch suddenly forgot how to throw the ball to first base? The yips are a real thing, and at this point, Lombard might be overthinking it.
It's not like Lombard is making borderline errors; he is fumbling routine plays, which is a telltale sign that it has become a mental battle for the youngster.
I still think Lombard is going to be spectacular. He has all of the tools to be a terrific player on the big-league level ... but let's also remember that everyone felt the same way about Volpe over the first year-and-a-half of his career.
It's important to keep things in perspective. Lombard has all of the potential in the world, but he must conquer this one hurdle first.
It isn't time to panic yet, but there is no question the Miami native needs to get things figured out, and quickly.
