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After losing shortstop, IKF embraces chance to hit CF

IKF to CF? Kiner-Falefa Hug Position Offset

NEW YORK – March 3 under lights at George M. Steinbrenner Field, game is routine , to the grounder on the left side of the infield. Isiah Kiner – Falefa rushed from his shortstop position, felt the ball off his glove, and watched the Tigers’ Tyler Nevin reach first base on a fumble.

It’s no use, Kiner-Falefa thought to himself that night, Slammed his fist on the palm as a nonverbal apology to pitcher Gerrit Cole. Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza both appeared poised to take over at shortstop for the Yankees, and Kiner-Falefa was quick to discuss an acrimonious position switch with manager Aaron Boone.

“I see,” Kiner-Falefa said . “There are two great shortstop prospects who can help the team. For someone who is older than me, I definitely see that. I don’t want to fight, but I want to give myself a chance to stay on the team. I think They gave me a chance to still be here.”

Sunday marked the first phase of that transition, as Kiner-Falefa prepares to play center against the Giants at Yankee Stadium. The 28 year-old was at shortstop twice after a fumble behind Cole, then came up from second base. Moved to third base, against the Lakeland, Florida Tigers in March He played his first game in midfield

that scene The lackluster game led to five more assignments in the outfield — two in left field and three in center field, including a six-inning duty at National Park Patrol’s major league center field on Tuesday.

“He looks alike,” Boone said. “It’s about going out and doing it, getting experience and doing it in the game. I think technically, he’s capable of doing it and doing it well.”

Kiner-Falefa said, “BP jobs and machine jobs are very helpful. Just race and become Just being comfortable and having [Aaron] Judge around has helped me a lot. Drive-by-wire is tough, but I feel like everything else, and I feel comfortable most of the time.”

Kiner-Falefa starting at midfield on Sunday is notable considering Boone chose him over Veteran Aaron Hicks, who has yet to start this season.

Oswaldo Cabrera has played three straight games in left field For the starters, Judge moved from center to right field and Giancarlo Stanton started the Yankees’ first two games of the year.

The referee placed a must-see obstacle in the midfield

“[Hicks] will play,” Boone said. “Not necessarily my favorite game today. I probably hope he’s there for the next few days.”

Kiner-Falefa started 94 shortstop games last season despite He promises 15 wrong, the organization often points to advanced metrics that show him to be the better defender in the American League one.

However, this statement happened during the playoffs The change came as Boone cited Kiner-Falefa’s tentative response off the bench for Game 4 of the AL Division Series against the Guardians. Kiner-Falefa has started just two of the Yankees’ remaining six postseason games, and Boone prefers Cabrera and Peraza.

“I think sometimes I’m too perfect and take myself too seriously appearance, not finish,” Kiner-Falefa said.

Kiner-Falefa says he believes playing more in the outfield The innings will allow him to play more freely in his previous assignments.

“I played safety and defensive back to grow . The footwork is pretty much the same,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I just applied it there; the same feeling, just looking at the quarterback. My feet were ready to move.”

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