Verdugo batted in the No. 9 slot for the first time in his career Thursday versus the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The drop down to the bottom of the order may not have been performance-related, as Verdugo is batting .304 with 14 runs, six doubles, three RBI and a 6:8 BB:K over his past 10 games after going 1-for-2 with a run and two walks Thursday. Rather, the lineup adjustment could have been due to the Yankees facing lefty Tyler Anderson, as Verdugo is hitting just .209 against southpaws this season. The veteran outfielder batted leadoff in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader and fourth in the nightcap, so manager Aaron Boone appears comfortable moving Verdugo around in the lineup. Despite his recent uptick in performance, he is posting the worst statistical season of his career, as each part of his .236/.296/.374 slash line would be the lowest mark he's recorded since he became a full-time player in 2019.