Yankees player grades for ALDS sweep of Twins

Top of the batting order

Aaron Boone’s offense was so productive that he didn’t alter the batting order in any of the three contests. Sure, some pinstripers did more than others, but that’s the beauty of the first-round sweep, just wait until some of the other big names get going.

D.J LeMahieu (A) — At this point in the season, expecting anything other than clutch performances out of the free-agent steal of the century is futile. LeMahieu went 4-for-14 with four runs scored, one home run, four RBIs and a .976 OPS. Although he made an uncharacteristic error on a popup in Game 1, he more than made up for it on a tough one-bouncer from Gleyber Torres in Game 3.

Aaron Judge (A+) — The face of the franchise can do little wrong, especially when he limits his strikeouts — which is exactly what he did in the ALDS. Judge went 3-for-9 with four walks, just one K, three singles and a .538 OBP. Even more impressive was his outfield play, snagging three potentially game-changing balls and showing off his cannon on more than one occasion to hold runners to a single. I guess that 6-foot-7 reach really does help.

Brett Gardner (B) — Raise your hand if you thought batting Gardy third in the lineup was a wise decision before Game 1? Now put your hand down, you’re lying. However, after setting career highs in home runs and RBIs this season, Gardner continued to flash his power, slugging a bomb in Game 1. Although he struck out five times in 12 at-bats, Gardner still had three hits, three runs, three RBIs, three walks and a .357 OBP.

Edwin Encarnacion (A) — The Parrot is healthy and thank goodness. Seen as a luxury when the Yankees acquired him in June, Encarnacion continues to hit with force, as his 4-for-13 showing with three doubles, two RBIs and .357 OBP attest. Right now, he’s the perfect right-handed DH.

Giancarlo Stanton (C-) — Still rounding into form after only suiting up in 21 games this season, Stanton was rusty, going 1-for-6 with an RBI. On the bright side, he did walk four times, so it’s only a matter of time before he starts turning on good pitches. Stanton’s left-field play was also a bit shaky at times, leading to Cameron Maybin’s entrance as a late-inning replacement.