Open Extended ReactionsTop shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. was promoted to Double-A by the New York Yankees on Sunday, sources told ESPN, bringing the 19-year-old a step closer to the major leagues after a scorching start to the season. Lombard, the Yankees' first-round draft pick in 2023 and the son of former big leaguer George Lombard, hit .329/.496/.488 with one home run and 11 stolen bases in 24 games at High-A Hudson Valley. He impressed the Yankees in spring training, hitting a pair of home runs, and lined himself up to be fast-tracked with success. The Yankees obliged after Lombard showed a more mature approach, walking in more than 20% of his plate appearances in Hudson Valley and striking out at 19.8%. Between his swing decisions and batted-ball data, Lombard impressed evaluators and looked primed for a promotion despite his age, sources said.