The New York Yankees took an important step in George Lombard Jr.'s recovery during the All-Star break, as the organization's top prospect began a minor league rehab assignment with the FCL Yankees. Lombard Jr. served as the designated hitter in his first game back after missing nearly a month with a finger injury.
The 21-year-old has been sidelined since June after spraining multiple fingers on his left hand while playing for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Initial concern surrounded the injury, but the Yankees avoided a more serious diagnosis, allowing Lombard Jr. to resume baseball activities this month.
His return comes at a key point in the season after general manager Brian Cashman recently suggested the young shortstop could become an option for the Major League roster later this year if he continues progressing.
Lombard Jr. entered the injury as one of the Yankees' best-performing prospects. Across Double A Somerset and Triple A this season, he is batting .258 with eight home runs, 25 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and an .833 OPS in 62 games.
After a slow start following his promotion to Triple A, Lombard Jr. found his rhythm before the injury, hitting .287 with a .923 OPS over his final 27 games before landing on the injured list.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
If his rehab assignment continues without setbacks, Lombard Jr. is expected to return to Triple-A before pushing for his first major league promotion later this season.
The Yankees enter the second half in the playoff race, and Lombard Jr.'s return gives the organization another talented infield option as it evaluates potential roster additions for the stretch run.
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