‘Unexpected piece’ Willie Calhoun turns ‘important,’ lifts Yankees in vital game

Due to Aaron Judge’s absence from the lineup and Anthony Rizzo requiring some rest, Aaron Boone found it straightforward to choose Willie Calhoun as the replacement in the third batting position for Saturday night’s game against the Red Sox.

According to Boone, Willie Calhoun has been a valuable contributor to the team’s offense, performing even better than his statistics indicate. Despite his .246 batting average and .742 OPS, the lefty has exceeded expectations and become an essential component of the team, especially during a period marked by numerous injuries.

“He’s hit for us. I would say he’s hit even better than his numbers would suggest,” Boone told about Willie Calhoun, who owns a .246 average and a .742 OPS. “He’s just been a really nice, unexpected piece and an important piece for us as we’ve navigated a lot of injuries.”

Later in the game, Willie Calhoun’s crucial sixth-inning home run against Tanner Houck became the decisive moment, propelling the Yankees to a 3-1 victory and leveling the series.

A comeback hero

Willie Calhoun’s line drive marked his fifth home run of the season, and his impressive performance in the past 12 games includes a .310 batting average, five doubles, two home runs, and eight RBIs.

“At this time last year, I was in Triple-A,” said Calhoun, who played in the Rangers’ and Giants’ systems in 2022. “I’ve just put that in my rearview mirror. This year has been unreal so far. Just being able to help the team win in any way possible is a good feeling.”

His increased playing time this season is noteworthy, as Willie Calhoun has appeared in 39 games, the highest number since 2021. Unfortunately, his previous seasons were marred by injuries caused by being hit by pitches. In 2021, a hit-by-pitch resulted in a broken forearm, limiting Willie Calhoun to just 75 games. Similarly, in 2020, another hit-by-pitch caused a broken jaw that required him to be airlifted to the hospital.

The previous injuries had a lingering impact on Willie Calhoun’s confidence at the plate, but according to Boone, the outfielder has made significant progress since joining the team as a non-roster invitee during spring training. Now, the Yankees are witnessing the positive outcomes of his restored self-assurance, as Willie Calhoun’s improved mindset is translating into on-field success.

Willie bang!#RepBX #Yankees pic.twitter.com/X1NgS9qUsY

— Pinstripes Nation (@pinstripesnat) June 11, 2023

Although Willie Calhoun’s fifth home run was a rare occurrence at Yankee Stadium, his ability to deliver in clutch situations seems to be consistent. In his last 13 games, he has maintained an impressive batting average of .310, going 13-for-42 at the plate. Additionally, Willie Calhoun has recorded five doubles, two home runs, and eight RBIs during this stretch. Notably, three of his five home runs this season have either tied the game or provided the Yankees with a lead, highlighting his impact in crucial moments.

Willie Calhoun acknowledged that at this time last year, he was playing in Triple-A and emphasized that he has moved on from that experience. The player expressed his appreciation for the current season, describing it as unreal and expressing satisfaction in being able to contribute to the team’s success.

Willie Calhoun stressed the importance of collective effort, stating that it would require the entire team in the clubhouse to succeed. He praised the team’s camaraderie and the talent level of the players. The left fielder emphasized the need to rely on and support one another, consistently lifting each other up. Willie Calhoun expressed the desire to maintain the positive dynamic and continue working together towards their goals.

Yankees team up to make up for Judge

In Aaron Judge’s absence from the lineup, the Yankees have had to adjust their winning strategy, placing the onus on other players to fill the void and rise to the occasion. The absence of the reigning Most Valuable Player in the American League has prompted the team to seek alternative avenues for success, urging additional contributors to step forward until Judge’s return.

In only the second instance since Aaron Judge’s injury, the Yankees celebrated with handshakes after securing a win. Gleyber Torres and Willie Calhoun provided the offensive firepower with their home runs, complementing Domingo German’s strong performance on the mound. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox by a score of 3-1.

Since Aaron Judge injured his right great toe during a remarkable catch at Dodger Stadium exactly one week ago, the Yankees have maintained a 3-3 record. In these six games, the team’s offense has averaged a modest 3.2 runs. Consequently, the Yankees have adopted a new approach, emphasizing pitching, defense, and timely hitting as their recipe for success. In the game on Saturday, they demonstrated all three aspects, showcasing a well-rounded performance.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa acknowledged the absence of their captain, expressing that the team feels his absence. However, he emphasized that they cannot dwell on the setback and must continue to face the challenges that come their way. Recognizing the competitiveness of their division, Kiner-Falefa stressed the importance of finding ways to compete and not making any excuses for their circumstances.

Torres continued his impressive power display with his second home run in three games, kickstarting the scoring with a leadoff blast to the right field against Tanner Houck in the fourth inning. In the sixth inning, Willie Calhoun showcased his precision with a hit to right field that barely cleared the wall, finding the front row. According to Statcast, the unique dimensions of the Yankee Stadium made it the only ballpark where this particular hit would have counted as a home run.

“It’s going to take all of the guys in this clubhouse,” Willie Calhoun said. “It’s a really good clubhouse; really good players, up and down. So it’s really just relying on each other, leaning on each other and picking each other up every single day. We’ve just got to keep that going.”

In May, when Judge was first placed on the injured list, the Yankees faced a 10-game stretch where they managed to secure four victories. During that time, they focused on implementing a small-ball approach while eagerly awaiting Judge’s return. A reminiscent of that strategy was evident in the seventh inning, as Kiner-Falefa swiftly sprinted home from second base, adding an insurance run to the scoreboard. The run was driven in by a well-executed single from Kyle Higashioka.

Boone emphasized the importance of collective contribution from the team, a topic that has been discussed since Spring Training. He highlighted the notion that success relies on the participation of every player, emphasizing that it will require more effort and involvement than they may initially anticipate. Boone encouraged the players to be prepared for any situation and to understand the significance of their individual roles in achieving team success.

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