During spring training, the Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez had an opportunity to secure a roster spot backing up catcher Brian McCann. But Sanchez appeared to press, had trouble reaching base and was sent to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the season.
“I think he wanted it so bad he put too much pressure on himself,” Manager Joe Girardi said before the Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
After starting his first game at catcher for the Yankees on Friday, driving in two runs and throwing out two would-be base stealers at second, Sanchez continued to impress the big league club.