Yankees Reportedly Call Up No. 1 Prospect George Lombard Jr. After MLB Trade Deadline

The New York Yankees didn't make significant waves ahead of Monday's MLB trade deadline, but they are reportedly making another notable move.

Jack Curry of YES Network reported the Yankees are promoting infield prospect George Lombard Jr. to the major league level.

According to MLB.com's prospect rankings, Lombard is the top prospect in the Yankees' system and the 20th overall prospect in the league. In theory, he could have been a trade option if the front office decided to be ultra aggressive, but it instead decided to hold onto him as it chases a playoff spot.

And now it seems as if Lombard will help the team do just that.

He is slashing .284/.411/.498 with 12 home runs, 33 RBI and 14 stolen bases across three different minor league teams this season.

Lombard's versatility stands out, as he can play shortstop and third base. However, it would be anything but surprising if he plays shortstop at the major league level considering USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the Yankees also sent Anthony Volpe down to Triple-A Scranton on Monday.

Volpe is hitting .240 with just one home run this season, while José Caballero is hitting .245. Neither has a stranglehold on the position, and Lombard figures to have every opportunity to win a consistent role with this call up decision.

With Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton all sidelined with injuries, the Yankees could use a boost in their offense.

Ideally for their postseason chances, Lombard will provide that.

Notably, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters Monday the Detroit Tigers "did have some asks our way that we were unwilling to do—it was a very specific ask, a certain player/players that we weren't willing to play with in that arena," when discussing a potential Tarik Skubal trade.

While he didn't mention Lombard directly, it isn't difficult to imagine he could have been talking about the infielder. Detroit ended up trading Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Lombard will now join the Yankees.

New York lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the first of a three-game set Monday and will face them again Tuesday.