The Yankees’ top defensive plays of August

Another month of Yankees baseball is in the books, and though their situation in the American League East has changed little of late, there was plenty of good baseball to take in. With each passing game comes more moments to remember and appreciate, including those made by Yankee defenders. August was no different, as we saw plenty of web gems in the Bronx this month, so let's take a look back at some of the best from the last month.

August 4: Lombard's slick play starts a double play

While the defensive slump George Lombard Jr. found himself for part of August is likely the lasting memory, the month also brought plenty of highlight reel plays. Here, early in the month against the Cardinals, the rookie backhanded a sharp two hopper before throwing across his body to kick off an inning-ending double play. Despite the low points of late, we should be seeing highlights at short from Lombard Jr. for years to come.

August 5: The rookie fully extends up the middle

Speaking of which, why not take a look at another gem from Lombard Jr.? Here, just a day after our first featured play, the Yankees shortstop dove to stop a one-hopper destined for center field. Lombard Jr., after fully extending, quickly got up and threw a seed over to first base, just barely nabbing St. Louis' JJ Wetherholt. The bad sticks out this month, but there was a lot of good to soak in from Lombard Jr. in August.

August 7: García Jr. fully over the shoulder

Another play from the first week of August, this time with Luis García Jr.'s range on display. With the go-ahead run on third base in the tenth inning for Atlanta, the Yankees first baseman was in a full sprint straight backwards, only to reach over his shoulder and snag the would-be blooper. Not exactly known for his defense, García Jr.'s clutch play saved the game in extras, putting an end to the Braves' half of the inning. Even sweeter, it was a game the Yankees would eventually win in the bottom half of the inning.

August 18: Austin Wells slides in foul territory

Anyone with experience donning the gear can attest to how difficult a pop up can be from the catching position. Here, Austin Wells makes a difficult one look pretty straightforward. Jackson Holliday lofted a ball toward the third base dugout into foul territory. Immediately set on his intention, Wells ran full speed to the warning track, calling for the ball the entire time, before sliding on a knee to secure the out for his club. Sometimes, making the tough ones look easy can be a highlight on its own.

August 28: Bellinger preserves the lead with his arm

Perhaps more than almost anyone else, Cody Bellinger is a regular on these monthly lists. Toward the end of the month, Belli changed things up, this time making the cut with an exceptional play not with the glove, but with his arm. With the Yankees holding just a 1-0 lead in the seventh, Bellinger caught a relatively shallow fly ball, before perfectly timing his crow hop, and delivering a one-hop strike to home plate. His perfect throw nabbed the runner at home, and preserved what would remain an important 1-0 win for the Yankees at home against the Red Sox.