Yankees' Ryan McMahon still figuring out path to consistency, but clutch homer vs. Royals shows potential

McMahon was down in the cages for most of the game, practicing his swing in case he was called upon to pinch-hit.

That work is why Boone was encouraged by what he had seen from McMahon. While the results weren't there, the Yankees skipper felt McMahon had "moved the needle" in terms of his at-bats.

McMahon has reached base safely in five of his last six games (since April 11) and is now 4-for-14 (.286) in that span.

SNY's Chelsea Janes reported that during spring training, the organization had been working with McMahon on his swing and mechanics. Even Aaron Judge has had a hand in trying to get his teammate on the right track.

"It's just figuring out how to get off the right way, you know, so I can go put up more productive at-bats," McMahon said of his behind-the-scenes work. "We came up with them together, sat down this offseason and had a nice long meeting about it. So, yeah, it was a group effort."

The Yankees hope Friday's heroics can catapult McMahon to more consistency on the offensive end. They acquired McMahon during the deadline last season for his glove, mostly, but also for that sneaky power that he can deliver.

McMahon has hit at least 20 homers in seven of his last eight non-shortened seasons, including last year.

That's why the Yankees have not lost faith in their third baseman.

"He’s had success in the league for a while, so he knows he’s capable, but when you’re going through it, it can be tough," Boone said. "Just excited for him to come up in such a big spot.

"This game will bring you to your knees, even the best of the best. It’s tough and the good ones handle it and deal with it, but you’re always grinding."

"This game's super humbling. All you can do is just keep working and whatever happens happens," McMahon said. "You go out there, play the game as hard as you can. Try to win and back to the drawing board the next day."

With the Royals deploying two southpaws for the remaining two games of the weekend series, it's unlikely McMahon will start. But if anything, Friday showed that McMahon is capable of delivering whenever he's called upon.