New York Yankees: Winners and losers from the first week of May

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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Neil Walker #14 of the New York Yankees is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after he scored in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Winner: Neil Walker

The reason Brandon Drury and/or Tyler Austin could be in trouble is the recent hot play of Neil Walker. Once seemingly destined to be designated for assignment, Walker may have saved his roster spot this week. He should at least hold on to it through Drury’s eventual return (no promises once Greg Bird comes back).

Perhaps Walker was just using the months of March and April as his extended spring training after signing with the New York Yankees late in the offseason. The veteran hit just .165/.212/.190 through April 30. However, as the calendar flipped to May, Walker flipped a switch at the plate. During the Yankees’ six-game winning streak, Walker is hitting .364/.611/.455 with six runs and a game-tying RBI-double on Sunday against the Cleveland Indians.

Walker also plays quality defense at first base, which is key as Gleyber Torres has emerged as the everyday second baseman.

One week is certainly a small sample size, but with Drury’s return looming, the hot hand could be the one who keeps his roster spot. Based on the last handful of games, Walker is more deserving of that roster spot than Austin. For that, and for the first time all season, Walker is a winner.

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