The Yankees didn’t extend an Opening Day roster spot to Trent Grisham because of his reputation with a bat. The veteran outfielder has established big league residency due to strong defensive traits, and even a slew of spring training injuries didn’t propel him into a starting role once the team broke camp.
But he’s taken advantage of early playing time that wasn’t exactly planned. As the stand-in for newbie Cody Bellinger, who’s dealing with back tightness, Grisham has conveniently provided similar power, which was on full display on Saturday when he belted a pair of home runs in the Yankees’ 10-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
From top to bottom, the Yankees’ lineup is driving in runs at a laudable rate, and their home run total (25) through eight games this season is already in a record-breaking class of its own. Right now, they can find even more comfort in knowing that their fourth outfielder is part of the equation too.
“Just been doing a really good job mentally to stay in the present,” Grisham told the YES Network after the game. “The swing’s been here and there throughout, but I’ve stayed really locked in mentally. It feels good, because when you don’t feel like your best and you still lock in mentally and still compete and go through the game, it means a lot going forward.”
The first of Grisham’s blasts — a solo shot that landed just beyond the right-center field scoreboard to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead — came in the third inning against Pirates starter Bailey Falter. He then inflicted more damage in the fifth, with a three-run shot down the left-field line that contributed to a six-run rally and broke the game wide open.
All sample sizes are small at this point in the season, but Grisham’s red-hot start can’t be ignored. The 28-year-old lefty is hitting .471 with three homers and a double in 21 plate appearances. His first jack of the season came in Wednesday’s home win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, and in 2024, he didn’t collect his 21st trip to the plate until April 28.
With a little help from innovative torpedo bats and below-average opposing pitching, the Yankees currently rank atop major hitting categories. The torrid pace may not continue with Grisham — Bellinger is expected to play in Sunday’s series finale after missing the last two games — but his production reaffirms that availability remains the best ability.
“We just haven’t quit as an offense this year,” Grisham said. “That’s what’s allowed us to blow these games open and make it a little less stressful on the back-end. It’s been nice to see out of an offense.”
TRENT GRISHAM’S SECOND HOME RUN OF THE DAY GIVES THE YANKEES THE LEAD!
(via @Yankees) pic.twitter.com/ZZqjP2y7Xn
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) April 5, 2025
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