Yankees rookie makes dubious history, becomes first shortstop since 1915 with six-game error streak
New York Yankees rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. has made an error in six consecutive games, the first Yankees shortstop to do so since Roger Peckinpaugh in 1915. The run highlights defensive concerns during Lombard’s first 20 major-league games, although manager Aaron Boone remains confident that the 21-year-old can overcome the problem.
Lombard has committed seven errors this season, including one in Thursday’s 5–1 defeat to the Houston Astros that contributed to a run after a subsequent throwing error by third baseman José Caballero. The Yankees, 75–58, begin a four-game home series against the Boston Red Sox, 73–60, holding a two-game lead over Boston for the American League’s top wild-card position.
- Lombard has made errors in six straight games.
- He is the first Yankees shortstop since 1915 to do so.
- Yankees face Boston in an important four-game series.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Yankees have good reason to keep faith with Lombard: he is only 21 and 20 games into his major-league career, where defensive adjustment can be difficult under intense scrutiny. His athletic potential and long-term development may justify accepting short-term mistakes, while Aaron Boone’s confidence could help him play through a correctable loss of composure rather than deepen it through an immediate demotion or positional change.
The case against
The error streak is a legitimate immediate concern, particularly for a contending team entering a crucial series with Boston and a narrow wild-card advantage. Even if Lombard’s underlying talent is substantial, repeated defensive errors can directly cost runs and place pressure on teammates, so the Yankees could reasonably reduce his shortstop duties temporarily while he works on mechanics and confidence in a lower-risk setting.