Yankees release MLB Players’ Weekend nicknames

Winning four consecutive games calls for a bit of levity. Therefore, it’s the perfect time for the Yankees to release the nicknames their guys have chosen to wear for the second installment of MLB Players’ Weekend.

It’s always nice to see the game of baseball allow its professionals to show a softer, kinder side of their personalities. So for the second straight year, MLB Players’ Weekend will return, Aug 24-26 — featuring some whacky names adorning the back of colorful jerseys. So what can we expect to see from the members of the Yankees?

Warning: Some of the following nicknames are more creative than others.

Infielders: Gary Sanchez (Kraken), Greg Bird (Bird), Gleyber Torres (GT), Didi Gregorius (The Knight) and Miguel Andujar (Papa).

Although “Kraken” is a great nickname bestowed upon Sanchez by general manager Brian Cashman after watching ‘Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man’s Chest;’ for me, the moniker that really holds water (see what I did there?) is “The Knight.” As told by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:

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"Gregorius was formally knighted as a member of Order of Orange-Nassau after helping the Netherlands national baseball team to a championship in the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. “Instead of giving us money, they decided to just knight us, all the guys that had a clean record,” Gregorius said. “I’m happy to say it out loud every day.”"

Surprisingly, Didi, the king of postgame emoji tweets will not use some kind of hilarious concoction of symbols to describe himself. That honor belongs to Diamondbacks reliever Brad Boxberger, who will very simply have emojis of a box and a hamburger above his No. 31. Genius!

For those wondering if Miguel Andujar is a father, hence the “Papa,” he says it was a nickname given to him by his father as the firstborn child in his family. Then there’s Greg Bird, who should have put “Larry” on his back to go with his customary No. 33.

Outfielders: Brett Gardner (Gardner), Aaron Hicks (Hicksie), Aaron Judge (Judge) and Giancarlo Stanton (G).

Not a whole lot of originality going on with the outfielders, although, the Yankees don’t wear last names on their everyday jerseys — so perhaps, that’s special enough. However, I did enjoy Aaron Hicks’ Key & Peele tribute of “A-A Ron” last season.

Starting Pitchers: Luis Severino (Sevy), Masahiro Tanaka (Tanaka Time), C.C. Sabathia (Dub), J.A. Happ (Happer) and Lance Lynn (Mia).

Hands down, Masa takes the cake here. Although, Lance Lynn placing the name of his daughter Mia on his back is very sweet.

Relief Pitchers: Chad Green (Greeny), Sonny Gray (Pickles), AJ Cole (A.J.), Jonathan Holder (Holdy), Zach Britton (Anglada) David Robertson (D-Rob), Dellin Betances (El Acido) and Aroldis Chapman (The Missile).

Dellin Betances’ nickname also stems from childhood — as his cousins used to call him el acido due to his feisty nature.

Bench: Austin Romine (Ro), Kyle Higashioka (Higashioka), Neil Walker (Walkie), Luke Voit (Louis) and Shane Robison (Robinson).

In addition to the mostly fun nicknames, players can wear colorful spikes, wristbands and gloves — as well as add a personalized patch on their jersey commemorating someone special.

As for some other well-thought-out monikers across the league, here are the best of the best.

Shane Bieber (Not Justin), Walker Buehler (Ferris), Carl Edwards Jr. (Stringbean Slinger), Ender Inciarte (Game Ender), Paul Fry (Papa Frita), Chad Bettis (Lettuce), Chase Utley (Silver Fox), Jarlin Garcia (Jarlin The Marlin), Jedd Gyorko (Jerk-Oh) and Joey Gallo (Pico De Gallo).