How a team manages the small details can have a significant impact in the postseason. Take the recent Little League World Series finale as an example: Taiwan’s misplay of a bunt ultimately gifted the championship to Florida.
While the New York Yankees are unlikely to be drawing inspiration from 12-year-olds, they do appear to be focusing on the finer details as they approach the postseason. One such move is the acquisition of outfielder Duke Ellis.
Recently designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners, Ellis is primarily known for his speed. This attribute could make his seemingly minor addition a crucial factor in the Yankees’ quest for their 28th championship.
Ellis has already been with four teams this season. After a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox in early June, he spent time with the New York Mets and the Mariners’ minor league system.
At 26, Ellis isn’t a major offensive threat, with an MLB batting line of 0-for-4 and a minor league career average of .238/.325/.339. However, his exceptional speed has kept him in demand.
Despite not getting a hit with the White Sox, Ellis successfully stole four bases. Over 273 minor league games, he has stolen 134 bases in 152 attempts and was caught only twice in three seasons of NCAA baseball.
The Yankees likely signed Ellis to be a game-changer as they aim to secure their division title and advance through the playoffs. His speed could be instrumental in converting late-inning walks and singles into more significant advances, and he would be a formidable ghost runner in extra innings.
While Ellis’s addition may not be generating headlines now, he could prove to be a key player in critical playoff moments.
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