For much of the last three seasons, Brett Gardner has been the first Yankee to step in the batter’s box, serving as the team’s primary leadoff hitter. He remained in that spot through the first month of this season, where he struggled badly at the plate and entered May with 74 wRC+. Gardner began to find his way in May, but has battled a knee injury in the month of June, causing him to miss some time.
While Gardner has been working his way back to full health, Aaron Hicks has come alive in a big way, as he holds a 148 wRC+ this month, even with a brief 1-for-15 stretch included.