Didi Gregorius’ rough 2019 season hasn’t shown any signs of improving as the playoffs approach.
After missing the first two-plus months rehabbing from offseason Tommy John surgery, Gregorius has had brief runs of success at the plate, but not sustained.
And before Aaron Boone gave him a day off in Sunday’s home finale, Gregorius found himself in another slump.
Over his past eight games, the shortstop is 5-for-31 with one extra-base hit, four walks and eight strikeouts.
After the Yankees closed out their home slate with a win over Toronto, Gregorius said his timing has been off.
“That’s what it is, more than anything,’’ Gregorius said.
Asked if he felt like he was close to getting it fixed, Gregorius said: “Not lately, no.’’
And the difficulties at the plate haven’t begun only recently.
Since making his season debut in June, Gregorius’ strikeout rate is its highest since 2014. His OPS, which reached a career high of .829 a year ago, has dipped to .736, the lowest it’s been since his first year with the Yankees in 2015.
“Things like this happen during the course of the season,’’ Gregorius said. “You’re going to go through ups and downs. I’m just working on getting better and hopefully will be good for the playoffs.”
CC Sabathia is expected to make his first regular-season relief appearance Tuesday in Tampa Bay and admitted he had some nerves about adjusting to the new role, which could continue into the playoffs.
Pitching coach Larry Rothschild noted — as has Sabathia — that the lefty doesn’t take long to warm up for his starts, which should work to his advantage in the bullpen.
“It’s more about seeing how he reacts and bounces back,’’ Rothschild said.
Boone said Sabathia will likely start an inning Tuesday and if all goes well, could enter a “less scripted” situation in Texas.
“I’m curious to see if I can do it,’’ Sabathia said.
Gleyber Torres sat out Saturday and Sunday after leaving Friday’s game after two innings after slipping in the outfield grass while trying to make a throw. He underwent an MRI exam on Saturday that showed no damage, but Boone rested the second baseman into Monday’s off day and will likely watch his playing time closely over the final week of the regular season.
Edwin Encarnacion (oblique) and Gary Sanchez (groin) are both expected back on the Yankees’ final road trip. Boone originally said Encarnacion might return Tuesday in Tampa Bay, but later amended that to Wednesday — or possibly the last series in Texas, which starts Friday. Sanchez could also see action against the Rangers, as the Yankees hope to add the pair of right-handed power hitters back to their lineup before the playoffs.
Aaron Judge closed out the homestand as the DH three straight days. Judge says his right shoulder is fine since he landed hard on it when he attempted to make a diving catch Wednesday, but Boone has acknowledged wanting to protect it. Boone pointed out that it didn’t affect him at the plate, but he could aggravate it making a throw. In the three games since getting banged up, Judge is 5-for-11 with a pair of homers.
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