Grichuk mentors – At Yankee Stadium, Randal Grichuk looked comfortable on the Bronx side of the field, hugging Amed Rosario and speaking with hitting coach James Rowson. The designated-for-assignment move and release after April 29 didn’t sour him—he said it was never guarantee
NEW YORK – It’s 2:40 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, and the moment doesn’t look like a reunion with bad blood.
Randal Grichuk walked to the Yankees’ side of the field, hugged infielder Amed Rosario, and spoke with hitting coach James Rowson. The gestures were quick, but unmistakable: he seemed settled, even thrilled, to be around the players he’s known in a short stretch.
There was a reason he could afford that calm. On April 29, the Bronx Bombers designated Grichuk for assignment, and two days later they released him. He said bitterness wasn’t part of his story, even if the outcome came as a shock.
“It wasn’t guaranteed that I would be with the franchise the entire season,” Grichuk said.
When he looks back at his brief time in New York, he also pointed to what remained solid: relationships.
“I have a bunch of good relationships built in a short period of time over there, so it’s good to see some of those guys,” Grichuk said. “There are some good guys over there.”
His playing time with the Yankees was limited. The outfield was set with Cody Bellinger in left field. Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right—though this was before Judge and Grisham went down with recent injuries. In 16 games with New York, Grichuk posted a slash line of .194/.212/.323 with two RBIs.
He also said he didn’t get a chance to pinch-hit once.
“When I was in New York, I was preparing to hit, but I didn’t pinch-hit one time over there, which I totally understand,” Grichuk remembered. “They had a loaded bench, and I wasn’t first on the totem pole.”
With the White Sox, the tone has changed. Grichuk joined the team on May 4, and he’s been taking advantage of the matchups, especially versus left-handed pitchers.
Entering Tuesday’s action, Grichuk had a slash line of .316/.361/.667 with six homers and 17 RBIs in 27 games. His production is one of the reasons the White Sox were tied with the Guardians for first place in the American League Central entering Tuesday’s action.
“It’s a blast. This is a young, fun team,” Grichuk said. “I feel like we can conquer the world together. We are just having fun. We are playing and growing together.”
At 34, Grichuk isn’t only interested in what happens in the batter’s box. His pride is showing up in how younger players approach him.
“Any time young guys have questions, they want to ask about hitting, mechanics or anything in the game. If I’m able to give someone advice that I got from an older guy … that’s what it’s all about. ” Grichuk said. “Hopefully, one day [the young players] can give [the same advice] to a young player when they are 10 years in.”.
Randal Grichuk White Sox Yankees Amed Rosario James Rowson hitting coach AL Central Guardians MLB designated for assignment