Yankees fans will absolutely love number George Lombard Jr. chose for Double-A debut

A big weekend culminated in a special start to the week for New York Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. The Yankees' No. 1 name down on the farm was elevated to Double-A Somerset after hitting .329 with Hudson Valley. He ranked 23rd on Baseball America's updated Top 100 prospect list. Yet the number that will be more closely associated with Lombard Jr. after the start to the week is No. 2.

Lombard Jr. picked up his first Double-A hit at the tail end of Somerset's road game against Akron on Tuesday. An unceremonious debut, all things considered, but if he's anything like the number on his back, there will be plenty more ceremonies in his future.

The 19-year-old shortstop (for now) chose No. 2, presumably to honor Derek Jeter across every step of the minor-league ladder until he's no longer able to when he reaches the majors.

The number looked especially correct when Lombard Jr. waited on a low breaking ball and roped a single up the middle, going with the pitch expertly.

Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. rocks Derek Jeter tribute in first game with Double-A Somerset

The calls for Lombard Jr. to slide all the way up to the Bronx will only get louder if he succeeds in the weeks to come, though that is decidedly not part of the Yankees' plan. They need him in the long-term, not the short-term, and will address his position (third base?) once the time comes.

However, it doesn't sound ridiculous to think that his potential MLB ETA has leapt up from 2027 to 2026 based on recent progress and events. This time next year, the conversation might be very different — especially if Lombard Jr. looks poised and prepared at spring training once again.

It wasn't all pomp and circumstance for Somerset on Tuesday, as Eastern League home run leader Spencer Jones hit the extremely nebulous 7-day IL with an undisclosed (and supposedly minor) injury. Still, like the number on Lombard Jr.'s back, that story was decidedly No. 2 in the pecking order. Here's to many more smooth swings and legendary moments in a career that's just getting started.