New York Yankees: 5 players that need to step up in September
By Nick Ziegler
Aug 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) hits a three run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Another difficult injury for the Yankees this season was the sprained knee suffered by Jacoby Ellsbury. Before he was hurt, the Yankees’ offense was rolling with him and Brett Gardner as the table setters at the top of the lineup.
Before Ellsbury was injured, he was batting .324 with 14 stolen bases. Since returning at the beginning of July, Ellsbury has seen his average plummet, and he also hasn’t been stealing bases at the top of the order. Ellsbury hit a low point on August 11th against the Cleveland Indians, as his average was at just .260.
Ellsbury has shown some signs of heating up for the Yankees, as his average is now back at .278, but the Yankees need much more from their center fielder. A three-run home run in the Yankees’ recent 20-run outburst against the Atlanta Braves was a good sign that Ellsbury is heating up as September approaches.
In September, the Yankees can really use a healthy and productive Ellsbury setting the tone at the top of their order.
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