Yankees need Gary Sanchez to get going after rough start

Through the first 10 games of the season, nobody has struggled more at the plate than Gary Sanchez. It’s still way too early to panic, but the Yankees need their star catcher to pick things up as the team gets set to start a huge series with the rival Red Sox.

Sanchez will enter tomorrow’s matchup at Fenway 2-32 (.063) on the season with a home run and three RBI. It’s certainly not the start anybody envisioned for the Yankees backstop after many believed he could be an under the radar MVP candidate this season.

In addition to his rough start, Sanchez missed the past two games after he left Friday night’s 14 inning loss with cramping in his right calf. Fortunately, Sanchez looks like he is going to be fine and the Yankees were smart to be cautious with him by giving him three full days of rest before this week’s huge series.

Hopefully, the rest will benefit him moving forward because this Yankees team is scuffling right now and if their lineup is going to be the unstoppable force we all expected then Sanchez is going to have to play his part. Considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the lineup, it’s somewhat shocking to see him struggle this much. The sample size is obviously small, but it can’t be a confidence boost for him to see .063 on the scoreboard when he steps up to the plate.

Right now Sanchez looks caught in between at the plate and he’s chasing a lot of balls out of the strike zone which has led to soft contact and easy outs.

Here’s Sanchez on what he thinks the problem has been thus far per Randy Miller of NJ.com.

"“I feel like I’m rushing a little and opening my body,” Sanchez said. “I want to correct that and try to stay up the middle and make good swings.”"

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When Sanchez is at his best he’s driving the ball to right center field and right now he seems a little pull happy. He’s also missing mistakes which is something we’ve rarely seen from him during the incredible start to his big league career.

Despite his struggles, there is a reason for optimism if you look at his strikeout total. He’s only struck out five times in 32 at-bats which tells you he’s probably been a little bit unlucky on the balls he’s put in play.

If Sanchez can continue to make consistent contact eventually those balls are going to find holes and his batting average should quickly see an increase. Then once he fixes some of those mechanical flaws and stays within the strike zone the power numbers will come and he will be the offensive force he’s always been.

There’s no doubt in mind that by the end of the year this slow start will be nothing but a minor blip on what will be an outstanding all-around season from Gary Sanchez. He’s too talented and works too hard in every facet of the game for this to continue.

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It’s only a matter of time before Sanchez finds his groove and once he does the rest of baseball should take notice. Remember he pretty much missed all of April last season and still put up 33 home runs with 90 RBI. He’s dealt with slow starts before and he’s found a way to bounce back and produce at an All-Star level. Don’t expect that to change this season.