The high level of competition in Somerset was highlighted on April 14, when the Phillies’ ace Zack Wheeler made a rehab start against the Patriots. Wheeler, a three-time All-Star who led the NL in WAR and WHIP in 2024, provided a stern test for Lombard.
Lombard’s night against Wheeler began with a strikeout on a check swing, followed by a deep fly to right-center that narrowly missed a home run. He later delivered an RBI double off Wheeler in the sixth inning and added another hit after Wheeler left the game.
Following the outing, Wheeler said Lombard was “taking good swings all night” and complimented the young star’s bat path and potential. “He’s a good, strong kid. He has a good bat path. He’s gonna be a good player,” Wheeler told The Trentonian’s Greg Johnson, adding, “Hopefully, I don’t have to face him too much.”
The 2026 season is viewed as a critical development year for Lombard, with many scouts and Yankees insiders expecting the organization to be patient and keep him in the minors for the year before a potential major-league arrival in 2027. He is widely regarded as the shortstop of the future for the franchise.
Meanwhile, Volpe—New York’s current typical starting shortstop—also spent April 14 in Somerset on a rehab assignment. Lombard shifted to third base that night, committing his first error at the position but making several solid plays, while Volpe went hitless in two at-bats against Wheeler.
New York’s shortstop situation remains a concern early in the season. Volpe has faced criticism for both hitting and defense, and the Yankees have used veteran Jose Caballero and, at times, Ryan McMahon at short. Through 17 games, the Yankees’ shortstops have combined for a .169 average, a .222 OBP, and a .493 OPS, the lowest marks in the American League for those categories.
