"We've got each other's backs no matter what"- Alex Verdugo credits unity within Yankees clubhouse for current winning run
New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo believes that the strong characters inside their dressing room and the excellent bond within the team have been vital to ending their extended slump. The Yankees have put on a five-game winning streak by sweeping the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park after the team had struggled since mid-June.
Verdugo had joined the Yankees from arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in the offseason. The 28-year-old made a solid start to the campaign, but along with most of the Yankee hitters, he had difficulty with the bat when the team encountered rough weather in the middle of June. However, Verdugo has regained his swing lately which has been crucial for the team's recent resurgence.
On Wednesday, Verdugo went 1-3 with one walk and scored two runs as the Yankees earned a 6-5 victory over the Phillies. He credited all his teammates for the team's hot run.
“With our own team, like inside here, in the clubhouse, we know who we got. We know who we are as a whole and we got each other's back no matter what. We knew it was just a matter of time before we kinda started getting out of our little funk and everybody kinda contributing. Obviously the big guys for us, they've been there all year,” Alex Verdugo said.
“You can't really ride that rollercoaster if you're struggling, if you're doing great. You just gotta trust that you're preparing every day the right way. I think Jazz coming over and being an instant spark for us has helped us a lot too. This is the time of year where you just gotta tuck away your own pride and do whatever it takes to win a game,” he added.
The Bronx Bombers have an off day before they take on the Toronto Blue Jays at home for a three-game series during the weekend.
Alex Verdugo enjoying the best spell of his Yankees career
Before compiling its ongoing five-game winning streak, the New York Yankees went through a massive slump with a 10-23 record since June 15. Alex Verdugo also struggled, batting under .150 with only six extra-base hits and only one home run.
However, Verdugo has been on a tear for the Yankees during this winning streak. The left-hander has hit .409/.444/.591 over the last five games with a 1.035 OPS and four doubles.