THE HOT CORNER FEATURING HOT GIO URSHELA

Source: MLB.com

We really stepped in...well you know, when we picked up Gio Urshela.  And we would have never "discovered" him if Miguel Andujar had not gotten injured.  Talk about trying to keep positive and looking at one door closing as another opens, especially when Gio Urshela is walking through that door frame and onto the field.  And guess what, Aaron Boone says Ursela will continue serving as the Yankees third baseman.

Source: NY Times

"He’s been terrific," Boone said. "The defense has been great and the at-bats that he’s had since Day 1 of Spring Training when he’s been in the lineup, he’s been a threat at the plate. It’s been impactful and been one of those performances that has allowed us to continue to win games," reported Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Source: NY Times

Urshela has been swinging the bat well and his defense at third base is nothing short of spectacular.  He is taking away runs and swiping away infield hits from opponents, in a way that Andujar has not been able.  Hey, I like Miguel Andujar, don't get me wrong, but his defense at third base is nothing like Urshela's.  With ground ball pitchers in our rotation, we need Urshela's defense at the corner, stealing away offense from teams who hit the ball his way.

"Urshela is hitting .352/.420/.493 with only 10 strikeouts through 81 plate appearances, plus he's playing his typical standout defense at third base. Monday night he made two stellar defensive plays, including this barehanded pickup:" (reported CBS Sports)

The Yankees have more than held their own despite the injuries and one of the main reasons is Gio Urshela.  Can this continue?  Can Gio make a career out of this?  Absolutely.  Much like Luke Voit, Urshela has an opportunity of a lifetime and if he keeps pushing himself, swinging the bat and making plays at third base, Boone won't be able to leave him out of the lineup.  Gio is the hot corner at third base and the Yankee are lucky to have him.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof