The New York Yankees’ struggles seemed to reach a new low Thursday with a lack of effort on a routine play.
With two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Cincinnati Reds DH Jeimer Candelario knocked a 1-1 pitch from Yankees reliever Caleb Ferguson up the middle and into center field. What should have been a single turned into a two-base play when outfielder Trent Grissom lazily approached the ball with one hand and then fumbled it, allowing a hustling Candelario to reach second on the error.
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The play prompted a cascade of boos from the Yankee Stadium crowd, some rare honest criticism from the YES Network booth and fans who want something done about it.
“They caught Grisham sleeping,” announcer Michael Kay said. “And Grisham also bobbles the ball and Candelario noticed that.”
“Yeah, kind of lackadaisical there ― just bobbled it and didn’t pick it up quick,” analyst Paul O’Neill said in response.
It doesn’t help Grisham’s cause that he is also not doing his job at the plate. Even after going 1 for 2 with a double and a walk, he’s batting .165 with a .652 OPS, five home runs and 14 RBIs in 102 plate appearances.
The reaction from fans on X to the play — Grisham’s first error of the season — was swift and furious:
Cut center fielder Trent Grisham. He’s hitting a fat .165. Embarrassing.
Did anyone see that play by CF Trent Grisham ? This guy is a major leaguer? Wow. @Yankees
LOSER OF THE DAY: Trent Grisham!
Grisham will get a chance to redeem himself Friday when the Yankees kick off a series against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees have lost 14 of 19 games.