J.C. Escarra’s journey from Uber driver to backup catcher for the Yankees received one other chapter on Sunday, as he homered for the primary time in his main league profession in a 5-1 win over Toronto in a doubleheader sweep in The Bronx.
Escarra took ex-Yankee Chad Inexperienced deep to the suitable subject seats with two outs within the backside of the eighth to present the Yankees a bit extra of a cushion.
“I didn’t really feel the ball off the bat,’’ Escarra stated. “It was wonderful.”
And he stated there was much more which means to the blast as a result of he hit it at Yankee Stadium.
“It’s particular that I did it right here at house,’’ Escarra stated. “That is my staff, my household’s staff. It’s a dream come true, doing all the things as a Yankee.”
Escarra was capable of commerce an autographed bat in alternate for the ball.
“If you happen to requested me two years in the past if I’d be right here doing this, I’d inform you you’re mendacity,’’ Escarra stated. “That is stuff you dream about, however to have or not it’s actuality is loopy.”
And whereas the 29-year-old’s distinctive background made him an intriguing story throughout spring coaching, Escarra will solely stick round if he produces.
Thus far, he’s delivered on protection, which is what the Yankees anticipated after watching him of their minor league system a yr in the past.
“He’s right here as a result of he can catch,’’ Aaron Boone stated. “He actually earned that repute in our group final yr. He throws very well, is excellent with framing [and] appears to have some presence and really feel for calling a sport.”
Escarra helped information Clarke Schmidt by way of 5 innings, giving up only one run, in Schmidt’s greatest begin of the younger season.
“He’s enjoyable to work with,’’ the right-hander stated after permitting a solo homer to Anthony Santander and 4 walks. “I believe all the things I throw is a strike as a result of he makes it look so good.”
The ever-positive Escarra has additionally drawn reward for his constructive angle.
“He’s so aggressive and is at all times smiling,’’ Schmidt stated. “You root for a man like that. He appreciates the second and doesn’t take something without any consideration.”
Boone additionally famous that the lefty-swinging Escarra has some energy. Though he has simply 5 hits on the season, three are for extra-bases. And he added an RBI single off lefty reliever Brendon Little within the sixth.
“That is cool for him,’’ stated Luke Weaver, who pitched the ninth. “He’s labored actually exhausting at it.”
