Yankees George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones impress again in push to become key pieces for stretch run

There might be a few surprising concerns about George Lombard Jr.’s defense, the rookie shortstop committing a third error in as many games after a sparkling start.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.

There might be a few unsurprising concerns about Spencer Jones’ strikeouts, up to 64 in his first 57 games and 159 at-bats.But there is far more excitement than concern over what the Yankees are witnessing from their two youngest active players, who are sparking an offense that was desperate for anything or anyone who could get it going.Lombard and Jones combined for four hits, four runs scored and an RBI in the Yankees’ 8-3 victory over the Blue Jays in The Bronx on Sunday, when good things continually happened when the pair stepped to the plate.Such as Lombard’s well-struck single to the right side in the second inning, which was followed by Jones crushing an RBI double into right-center field that allowed a chance for two fresh and speedy legs to gallop around the bases.Such as Lombard’s slow roller to third base that he turned into an infield single in the sixth, which was followed by Jones demolishing a 110.2 mph single in an inning where both would come around to score.“They’re good players, so hopefully they can continue to kind of entrench themselves as key pieces going forward,” manager Aaron Boone said of the duo, who are good friends off the field and beginning to establish themselves on it.Jones simply being on the roster Sunday was significant.As recently as a few days ago, there was curiosity whether the return of lefty-hitting outfielder Cody Bellinger would shove the other lefty-hitting outfielder back to the minors.But Ryan McMahon’s IL stint changed the equation, and it was the just-called-up Max Schuemann who was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.Jones, who is up to a .743 OPS with seven home runs, continues to play his way...