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Lombard Jr. Homers 392-Foot in Debut, Yankees Win 2-0

8/5/2026

Summary

Lombard Jr. Homers

Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. homered with a 392-foot shot off Cardinals starter Hunter Dobbins in the fifth, giving New York a 2-0 win.
At 21 years, 63 days, he became the first Yankees shortstop to homer in his first game.
He turned double plays in the second and fifth innings, showing solid range.
The win moved the Yankees to 64-50, second in the AL East.

Summary

Cashman Trades Lombard

GM Brian Cashman said the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles inquired about trading for outfielder Lombard as part of discussions involving Tarik Skubal and Adley Rutschman.
The Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe and prospect Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre to make room for Lombard and newcomer Heliot Ramos.
Right-hander Yerry de Los Santos entered the bullpen with a 1.04 ERA in five appearances after replacing Angel Chivilli.

History

Historical Context

The reserve clause, adopted by the National League on Dec 6 1879, bound players to teams for life. Challenges such as Curt Flood’s 1969 lawsuit and the landmark Seitz decision on Dec 23 1975, which freed Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally, dismantled the clause and created modern free agency. Today, Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s trade talks echo that era of player mobility.

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Lombard Jr. Homers

Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. homered with a 392-foot shot off Cardinals starter Hunter Dobbins in the fifth, giving New York a 2-0 win.
At 21 years, 63 days, he became the first Yankees shortstop to homer in his first game.
He turned double plays in the second and fifth innings, showing solid range.
The win moved the Yankees to 64-50, second in the AL East.

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