Gary Sanchez came up big for the Yankees yesterday

Last week, I made the case for the Yankees to stick with Gary Sanchez as their starting catcher. Sure, Sanchez has struggled to at the plate this season, but he has a track record of success in the big leagues. It’s not a stretch to consider him, on a talent basis, the best hitting catcher in all of baseball.

During yesterday’s victory against the Twins, Sanchez put that talent on full display. He went 3-for-5 with a home run and a double. The homer, off Minnesota right-hander Kyle Gibson, may be one of the most impressive dingers you will see all season. He golfed a 94.8 mph fastball, one practically buried in the dirt, into the third deck.

For context, consider the pitch location.

There’s also video footage:

It’s been nearly 24 hours and that home run still has me stunned. In a season that featured 59 combined long balls between Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, this one stands out. Maybe it’s because Sanchez has experience such a miserable season, one where Yankees fan essentially turned on him. There’s something satisfying about him unleashing a monstrous homer to remind everyone of his presence.

One game doesn’t mean Sanchez has broken out of his season-long slump. It’s a place upon which he can build, though. If the Yankees get the Kraken of old back, then goodness. They will be so dangerous down the stretch and in the Wild Card Game. Sanchez is that good a batter.