Sunday Slugger


When the Yankees picked up Dustin Ackley from the Mariners in late July, I didn't think much of the trade. The second overall draft choice in 2009 seemed to profile at best as a backup player. He then dropped out of sight, going on the disabled list almost as soon as he arrived in New York.
Since returning, he's been a useful Yankee -- and, in the past week, began playing almost every day. Sunday the 13th, a big two-run homer to help beat division-leading Toronto. Then, last night, a three-run shot to cap the 6th inning rally against the Mets bullpen once Matt Harvey's innings limit forced him from the game.
I don't expect that at age 27, Ackley will turn in Robinson Cano -- or even Daniel Murphy -- but he's already helped win two games. So here's your first look at him in a Yankee uniform.

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