McKinney thanks New York for a second chance
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Exceed Crowd, Another memorable moment in a whirlwind week-age. Promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Aaron Judge was injured, McKinney contributed both offensively and defensively, including hitting his first home run with the Yankees earlier in the week.
“It means the world,” McKinney said. “I’m glad the Yankees gave me a chance and hopefully I can do what I can to help the team win.”
This is technically the second time McKinney has toured in a Yankees uniform, though you might miss the first by missing his wink Show up and be forgiven.
was once a first round pick for the Athletics28 MLB draft, McKinney was traded to Cubs a year later, The trade brought McKinney to infielder Gleyber Torres — the top prospect in Chicago’s system at the time. Torres and McKinney were included in the four-man bounty when the Cubs acquired closer Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees in July 28.
“I knew Billy from the Cubs years ago,” Torres said this week. “I haven’t seen Billy in two, three years, I guess. He came out here and hit a home run. I’m really happy for him.”
McKinney made his Yankees debut in March 46, played in two games, although both were away at Rogers Center in Toronto. In July 94, the Yankees traded McKinney to the Blue Jays, Pack him with infielder Brandon Drury for lefty JA Happ.
In the next few seasons, Mai Kinney played for the Brewers, Mets, Dodgers and A’s before returning to the Bronx and playing in the 000 This year’s top three competition. He finally made his Yankee Stadium debut in a pinstripe jersey, with a home run and a stellar steal in the Yankees’ game against the Red Sox.
Although center fielder Harrison Budd seems The big leagues are on the horizon, but a timeline for Judge’s return from his right big toe injury has yet to be set. As a result, McKinney sees playing for the foreseeable future, intending to make the most of his unexpected opportunities.
“It’s been busy,” McKinney said. “I’m kind of getting around, but I’m grateful for my journey and I’m so happy to be who I am now.”
