Yankees' Trent Grisham Awakens After Slow Start in Win Over Athletics

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Center fielder Trent Grisham of the Yankees showcased his unique style during Friday night’s game, hitting a soft blooper in the fourth inning that fell into shallow center field. With a runner on first and one out, he opted for a leisurely jog to first base, eventually stopping at the bag after his hit. This performance marked one of two hits in the Yankees’ commanding 8-2 victory against the Athletics.

Grisham's laid-back demeanor often gives the impression of a slow-motion player, but this is not due to a lack of effort. Manager Aaron Boone affectionately calls him “the big sleep,” a nickname that captures his relaxed nature both on and off the field. Despite a challenging start to the season, Grisham has turned a corner in May, showing significant improvement after a difficult April.

In Friday's matchup, Grisham opened the game with a 2-for-5 performance, boosting his batting average from .166 to .211. Over his last eight games, he has hit an impressive .448, bringing his May stats to a .276 average with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 24 games. This resurgence follows a lackluster April where Grisham batted just .151 but still managed to contribute with four homers and 16 RBIs.

“Just results,” Boone said, reflecting on Grisham's turnaround. “I feel like it’s not much different than what we’ve seen all year.” Last season, Grisham set personal bests with 34 home runs and 74 RBIs, batting .235, his highest average in three years. After nearly entering free agency, he accepted a one-year qualifying offer from the Yankees worth $22.05 million.

In Friday’s game, the Yankees took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning off Athletics starter Luis Severino, who exited after just one inning due to right arm soreness. Ben Rice contributed significantly with a solo home run and a total of three hits. Yankees starter Carlos Rodon secured his first win since returning from elbow surgery, allowing only one run over six innings. The victory marked the Yankees' fifth consecutive win, keeping them 1.5 games behind the AL East-leading Rays.

Looking ahead, the Yankees will continue their series against the Athletics with games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.