The New York Yankees revealed an injury update regarding top prospect Prospect George Lombard Jr. on Thursday before their series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Yankees No.1 overall prospect has been on the 7-day injured list for Triple-A Scranton since June 18th with a sprained left hand.
Lombard Jr. was promoted from Double-A to Triple-A near the start of the season, but has only been able to play 42 games in Scranton due to his injury.
The 21-year-old shortstop appears to be close to a return according to Yankees' manager Aaron Boone.
On Thursday, Boone stated that Lombard Jr. is "close to a return."
Lombard Jr. has resumed baseball activities such as hitting and fielding.
He may force the Yankees to make a decision at some point during the second half of the season if his positive play returns following his injury.
In 62 games this season between Double-A and Triple-A, Lombard Jr. is slashing .258/.387/.446, good for a .833 OPS, with eight home runs, 25 RBIs and 20 doubles.
With Yankees former top prospect Anthony Volpe struggling both offensively and defensively this season, with a .664 OPS and three errors in 42 games, it could open the door for Lombard Jr. to make his long awaited Yankees' debut.
