ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — José Caballero glanced toward the dugout and flung his bat before it came crashing back down on Tropicana Field’s turf in the fifth inning. He released weeks of pent-up frustration for the New York Yankees on his three-run home run.Then he did it again three innings later. This time, the bat traveled even farther as he walked a few steps toward first base before launching it toward the dugout.Caballero hit two home runs in the Yankees’ 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, a critical victory for a reeling club that now trails Tampa by three games in the American League East. Caballero, whom the Yankees acquired from the Rays at last season’s trade deadline, said he added some flair to his bat flips because he felt the team needed energy after a recent 4-13 stretch. He also took his time to round the bases and shot an imaginary arrow before touching third base.“By the time he got to the dugout, the next at-bat was already like one or two pitches in,” Ben Rice joked. “I was waiting for him to (score). It’s just so fun to watch; the passion that he brings to each and every game is a pleasure to watch. We really enjoy having him a part of the team.”
José Caballero launches his second home run of the game 🚀 https://t.co/71DRMqm2Zm pic.twitter.com/A9AYOOxiHH
