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New York Yankees Editorial: Is Dustin Ackley The Answer At Second Base?

By Harrison Marder

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Move over Stephen Drew, the New York Yankees have found their new second baseman and his name is Dustin Ackley.

Ackley was brought over to New York in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on July 30. The 27-year-old saw just three at-bats in pinstripes before he was put on the disabled list with a muscle strain in his back in early August.

After missing a little more than a month of action, Ackley has returned to the Yankees lineup swinging a hot bat. Since his first game back on September 9, Ackley is a .409 hitter, with two home runs and six RBIs.

In last Sunday’s series finale against the New York Mets, Ackley seemingly solidified his role as the Yankees new everyday second baseman with a three-run home run to right field in the sixth inning. Ackley’s home run gave the Yankees a 5-1 lead, and capped off a five-run inning for the Bombers.

Offensive production from Yankees second basemen has been inconsistent to say the least in 2015. While Stephen Drew has hit 17 home runs this season, his average is a disappointingly low .201. The Yankees have also trotted out Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder at second base this year, but they too have struggled at the plate.

Fortunately for the Yankees, Ackley has begun to percolate at the perfect time. His hot steak has coincided with the Yankees playoff push, and it has thrust him into the everyday second base job.

According to Ryan Hatch of NJ.com, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi has been penciling Ackley into the lineup precisely due to his recent string of strong hitting.

"“This kid has had success before,” Girardi said to Hatch. “He took those couple weeks off and went down [to] rehab and swung the bat great and has just continued here.”"

Hatch also spoke to Ackley, who seems to really be enjoying his time as a Bronx Bomber.

"“It’s great just to contribute in any way I can at the plate or in the field, whatever,” Ackley told Hatch. “It’s been fun. To be a part of this playoff race and all that, it’s a special thing. It’s territory I’ve never really been in before so it’s fun. Every game means something and that’s a fun way to play.”"

With Ackley hitting so effectively, there really is no rational reason to play anyone else at second base. Girardi should be riding the man with the hot hand. Ackley has slugged his way to becoming an everyday player, and the Yankees will need his offense with the postseason just a handful of games away.

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