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TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 05: Brian Cashman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the New York Yankees, looks on before game two of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on October 05, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees‘ No. 1 prospect left his game with Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre with an injury. Conor Foley of YES Network reports that shortstop George Lombard Jr. jammed his hand fielding a throw on a stolen base attempt. He finished the inning, then left the game afterward.
George Lombard Jr. is out of the RailRiders’ game after the top of the fifth. In the bottom of the fourth, he appeared to jam his hand while fielding a throw on a stolen base attempt. Stayed in the game for the final out of the inning, then was replaced.
In the video posted by The Athletic‘s Brendan Kuty, Lombard collided with the baserunner attempting to field the throw from the catcher. He came up from the play in a lot of pain afterward, although the video cuts from there.
Lombard is ranked as the organization’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 18 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline. He was the Yankees’ first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, quickly climbing up the system.
With Scranton Wilkes-Barre, he’s slashing .254/.380/.440 with eight home runs and a 121 wRC+. Considering his age and level, those are pretty solid marks overall. The 21-year-old is the heir apparent at shortstop for the Yankees, with an ETA of the 2027 season on his scouting report.
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: George Lombard Jr. of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
It’s unclear if the Yankees would have considered promoting George Lombard Jr. at all this season. While he was hitting well in Triple-A, there isn’t a path for him to play in 2026.
At shortstop, the Yankees are playing Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe. They opened the season with Caballero as the everyday shortstop, but his injury opened the door for Volpe. With Caballero playing a super utility role, both infielders have been consistently in the lineup.
The other possibility would have been third base. Ryan McMahon is struggling offensively, slashing .211/.274/.357 in his first 64 games. McMahon had been serving as the strong half of a platoon at the position.
Given the title aspirations the Yankees have, it’s unlikely they’d replace a struggling veteran with a rookie with zero experience. At this point in the season, they’d be better off seeking an addition at the trade deadline.
But where the injury could play a larger role is how the Yankees build their roster for 2027. Lombard played third base in Spring Training before the season, likely hinting at where he’d fit. If the injury proves to be season-ending, the organization might seek an external addition to their lineup.
The Yankees have a lot of moving parts with their infield, including George Lombard Jr.’s long-term fit. With a healthier lineup, it makes more sense to continue playing Jose Caballero primarily at shortstop.
Both Ryan McMahon and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are expected to reach free agency. That could open up two starting spots on the infield next season. Anthony Volpe could take over at second base, but he has a career 85 wRC+ in just under 500 games and 2000 plate appearances.
It’s unclear what the Yankees will do with Chisholm, who should be one of the top free agents on the market. Presumptively, he’ll have a qualifying offer extended. However, that only nets the organization a fourth-round compensatory pick.
What the club does at both second and third base will say lot about their vision for the infield. If they address both positions, it likely means they want Lombard to open 2027 in Triple-A and wait for an opportunity.
Michael McDermott Michael McDermott covers MLB for Heavy Sports. He's previously published content for SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, and FanSided in 11 seasons. Covered the Arizona Diamondbacks as an on-site reporter for the 2022-2024 seasons and the Arizona Fall League for 2022-2025. More about Michael McDermott
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