Top MLB prospect George Lombard Jr. has already made some positive history during his first few weeks with the New York Yankees, but the team’s top prospect just landed in the record books for a reason he would rather avoid.
The 21-year-old shortstop has committed an error in six consecutive games, becoming the first Yankees shortstop to do so since Roger Peckinpaugh in 1915.
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Lombard’s defense suddenly becomes a concernAug 9, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. (96) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Lombard’s defensive struggles have come as a surprise considering how highly regarded his glove has been throughout his development. Before this recent stretch, he had committed just one error in his first 14 games with New York.
Now, he has seven errors through his first 20 MLB games. His latest came Thursday against the Houston Astros, when he couldn’t handle a ground ball in the eighth inning. Third baseman José Caballero then made a throwing error on the same play, allowing Houston to score another run in a 5-1 Yankees loss.
Lombard has made several different types of mistakes during the streak, including misplayed ground balls, a throwing error and a dropped foul popup. That inconsistency is particularly noticeable because his range and arm strength have produced some spectacular plays since his promotion.
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Yankees still need Lombard down the stretchFeb 25, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder George Lombard Jr (96) hits a two-RBI double during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesDespite the defensive issues, the Yankees aren’t ready to panic.
Manager Aaron Boone continues to have confidence in Lombard’s long-term ability, pointing to his natural skills and strong fundamentals. Boone believes this is simply a rough stretch that the young shortstop will eventually put behind him.
That’s important because Lombard is expected to be a major part of New York’s plans moving forward. The Yankees promoted him in early August after he dominated at Triple-A, and he immediately showed why the organization views him as a potential cornerstone.
His bat has also provided plenty of encouragement. Lombard became the first Yankees shortstop to hit a home run in his MLB debut and has already shown impressive power and athleticism at the plate.
The Yankees now enter a massive four-game series against the Boston Red Sox, giving Lombard an immediate opportunity to put the defensive struggles behind him.
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