Yankees record books now include rookie Miguel Andujar

Despite the Yankees getting kicked around by the 66-78 Twins on Tuesday, 10-5 — rookie Miguel Andujar stayed hot, going 2-for-4, raising his batting average to .299.

Had Brandon Drury never experienced severe migraines that forced him to the disabled list early in the season, there’s no telling if Miguel Andujar would have made it to the big leagues this season. And had the frontrunner for the AL Rookie of the Year Award not been promoted on April 1, it’s entirely possible the Yankees aren’t on track to make the Postseason.

Even with Miguel Andujar’s offensive exploits, the Yanks only hold a slim two-game lead over the A’s for the first Wild Card spot. Dropping must-win games to sub-.500 teams like the Twins will continue to keep pressure on the 23-year-old third baseman to perform at a historic rate.

What do I mean, historic? Well, on Monday night, during the Yanks 7-2 victory, Andujar collected his 40th double of the season. Now tied with Bob Meusel (1920) for the third-most doubles by a Yankee rookie, Andujar needs just five more in 17 games to set a new franchise record.

Hideki Matsui hit 42 in his first major league season (2003), and of course, “Joltin” Joe DiMaggio sits atop the list at 44 — which he achieved way back in 1936.

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Throw in the fact that Andujar is slashing .299/.333/.521 with 76 runs scored, 23 home runs and 79 RBIs in 511 at-bats — and despite a shaky glove at third base, he should easily walk away with this season’s AL Rookie of the Year Award.

However, when it comes to being a doubles machine, think back to some other great Yankee rookies — and you’ll understand just how impressive Andujar has been with the bat in his maiden voyage.

• Yogi Berra (1947) — 15 doubles
• Mickey Mantle (1951) — 11 doubles
• Don Mattingly (1983) — 15 doubles
• Derek Jeter (1996) — 25 doubles
• Aaron Judge (2017) — 24 doubles

Of course, the game has changed and will continue to evolve since the top four names on my list last wore pinstripes.

And yes, each player brought something unique with them to the field of play — but so does Andujar, and that’s why including him in the conversation for the most electrifying offensive rookie season ever by a Bomber is applicable.

As it stands, Andujar and DiMaggio are the only two Yankee rookies ever to hit 20 homers and 40 RBIs. Andujar is even the first Bomber since Robinson Cano’s 41 doubles in 2013 to achieve a 40-double season.