Ryan McMahon He arrived at the game on Wednesday surrounded by questions about what his role will be with the Yankees when the postseason begins. Hours later, the previewer responded in the best possible way: producing five races and connecting a Grand Slam in the 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium.
The performance came at an important time for McMahon. Its offensive production had decreased considerably in recent weeks and New York began studying different alternatives for third base, including giving opportunities to Anthony Volpe In that position before starting the Wild Card series.
However, Aaron Boone made it clear before the match that the Yankees still believe that McMahon can contribute in October. The leader acknowledged that the BATE has not produced as expected, but maintains confidence in what the veteran can offer defensively and in his ability to respond in important situations.
Ryan McMahon replied when he needed a good night most
McMahon did not take long to make an impact against Tampa Bay. In the second inning he hit a single with two outs that led the plate to Spencer Jones And he increased the Yankees lead to 2-0.
One entry later came the hit that completely changed his night. With bases full and two outs, McMahon found a Mason Englert pitch and sent him over the right field gate for a Grand Slam that widened the difference to 7-0.
The pre-runner finished the 4-2 match with five RBIs, matching the most RBIs he has achieved in a game during his career. It was also a necessary performance after having gone through another complicated stage with the bat.
More than the numbers of a single night, the moment was significant due to the closeness of the playoffs. McMahon needs to prove that he can offer more than defense if he wants to secure an important role when the Yankees set their lineup for October.
Aaron Boone still trusts what McMahon can bring
Before the Rays win, Boone defended the value that McMahon can still bring to the team. Although he acknowledged that offensively the second half of the season has been difficult, the leader maintains a lot of confidence in his defense at third base.
For Boone, some recent mistakes do not eliminate the experience or defensive qualities that have characterized McMahon during his career. The challenge now is to ensure that this security with the glove is accompanied by a greater production on the plate.
Wednesday's performance came practically as an immediate response. McMahon got his first home run since early August and produced five of New York's nine races.
The player himself acknowledged after the match that he has been constantly working to recover offensive sensations and reach the postseason in better conditions. Your goal is to find a way to contribute when each turn has more weight.
Third base remains an important decision for October
Despite McMahon's big night, the Yankees still have pending decisions on the inside. Anthony Volpe has started working at third base and Boone has raised the possibility of using it there during the last games of the regular season.
George Lombard Jr. It is maintained as one of the main options in the shortstop, Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned to occupy the second base again and Joseph Knight It also represents an alternative that can move through different positions.
That depth allows New York to study different combinations depending on the rival and the opposing pitcher. For McMahon, that also means that every opportunity during these last matches can help define how much role they will have in the Wild Card series.
His seasonal performance still reflects the difficulties he has faced. After Wednesday's game, McMahon was left with a .210 average, .276 on-base percentage and .352 slugging, in addition to 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.
One night can change the panorama before the playoffs
A single match does not eliminate the offensive problems that McMahon has had for much of the season, but five driven races within days of starting the playoffs represent exactly the kind of response the Yankees were expecting.
New York needs to define which players offer the best combination of offense, defense and versatility for a short series. McMahon came to this last week with questions around his post, but his performance against Tampa Bay rebranded his name at the center of the conversation for positive reasons.
The challenge now will be to show that it was not just an isolated night. The Yankees still have a few games to evaluate their options and McMahon will have the opportunity to confirm that it can be a useful piece when the season enters its most important stage.
For now, Boone maintains confidence and McMahon has just given the leader an additional reason to continue considering him in his plans for October.