” He was most likely the star of the game amongst numerous big-time performances,” Aaron Boone said after the Yankees advanced to the ALDS in San Diego.
The financial investment has actually settled for the Yankees.
Now, hes a much different player.
It would be hard to argue. His single in the top of the ninth stimulated their rally and he scored on DJ LeMahieus single. Urshelas fourth-inning grand slam off right-hander James Karinchak provided the Yankees a 5-4 lead.
Urshelas fourth-inning grand slam off right-hander James Karinchak offered the Yankees a 5-4 lead.
The very first time Urshela played in the postseason, he was an all-field, no-hit third baseman for the Indians who went on to make 2 essential mistakes in the 2017 ALDS that helped the Yankees advance.
He practically topped it with his play on Carlos Santanas shot to 3rd, which Urshela stopped and he made a toss to second from the ground to start the double play.
Gio Urshela celebrates after striking a grand slam in the fourth inning of the Yankees 10-9 series-clinching win over the Indians.Corey SipkinActing manager Sandy Alomar Jr. went to the bullpen for Karinchak, who went to a complete count against Urshela before Urshela took him deep on a fastball with a shot that traveled 432 feet.
Urshela called it “one of the very best video games I ever played in my life.”
And he continues to impress his colleagues, consisting of DJ LeMahieu, who compared Urshelas play at 3rd to Nolan Arenado.
The 3rd baseman turned up through the Indians organization and burglarized the majors with Cleveland, and on Wednesday he struck a grand slam that provided the Yankees the lead and scored the consent run in the Bombers series-clinching 10-9 win in Game 2 at Progressive Field. He also made a fantastic diving play to end the bottom of the 8th and keep the Yankees deficit at one run with Aroldis Chapman on the mound.
Asked prior to Game 2 how hes grown since his time with the Indians, Urshela said, “I guess a lot. I feel like a various player [with a] various mentality.”
The improvements have come on both sides of the ball and encouraged the Yankees to stick to Urshela even after Miguel Andujar went back to health this season.
” Its no secret, we all understand what Gio is capable of,” Chapman stated through an interpreter. Asked prior to Game 2 how hes grown given that his time with the Indians, Urshela stated, “I think a lot.” Hes a special protector,” LeMahieu stated.” He has a really precise and actually strong arm from a lot of various angles, “Boone stated.
Gio Urshela did everything he could to make his return to Cleveland unforgettable.
Later, Urshela stated he didnt know what was going through his mind as he rounded the bases.
Its a long way from 2018, when Urshela was designated for project by the Indians and after that traded to heaven Jays in May. Later that season, Toronto delivered Urshela to the Yankees for cash considerations, about $25,000.
” He has a really accurate and actually strong arm from a lot of different angles, “Boone said. Hes unique at third base.
” To be sincere, I cant keep in mind,” Urshela stated. “I simply remember I hit the ball and after that was offering high-fives to my colleagues.”
LeMahieu had fun with the perennial All-Star and Gold Glove-winner in Colorado before pertaining to The Bronx before last season.
It followed Aaron Hicks started the inning off Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco with a triple over the head of Delino DeShields. Luke Voit and Giancarlo Stanton walked to pack the bases.
“Hes pretty elite there,” Boone said.
Boone has admired Urshela while handling him the last two seasons.
And while the protective metrics have not constantly concurred that Urshela is well above average at the position, Boone stated the Yankees internal measurements have revealed an improvement.
” He makes some acrobatic plays you think he has no opportunity on and corresponds on balls right at him,” LeMahieu stated.
” Its no secret, we all know what Gio is capable of,” Chapman said through an interpreter. “I really believe he conserved the video game there. At least one run comes in if the ball goes by him. It was a fantastic play.”
” Hes an unique defender,” LeMahieu stated. “I d put him in the Nolan category defensively. Offensively, it looks like he hits the ball difficult each time up. Hes been big for us all year. Hes simply a truly excellent gamer. I really appreciate his game.”
