Logo

It was historically difficult for Kyle Higashioka to come across a hit. It was impossible for him to have known how easily home runs would soon come.

Following a franchise-worst 0-for-22 skid to begin Higashioka’s major league career, the Yankees’ third-string catcher joined the better side of team history Wednesday in The Bronx by becoming the second Yankee to hit three home runs in the first three hits of his career.

With a solo shot in a 6-2 win over the Braves, Higashioka joined Alfonso Soriano (1999-2000) as the only players in team history to accomplish the feat. Higashioka also became the first player in the majors to do so since Colorado’s Trevor Story in 2016.

“I couldn’t have imagined it like that, but I’m just glad that they’re contributing to wins,” said Higashioka, who went 1-for-3. “After the first one, I definitely was able to relax a little more. Now, I just feel like I’m sticking to my approach, taking some good swings. It’s coming together a little bit.”

Kyle Higashioka watches his historic fourth-inning blast Wednesday.Paul J. BereswillKyle Higashioka watches his historic fourth-inning blast Wednesday.Paul J. Bereswill

With Austin Romine given another day to rest his hamstring injury, Higashioka made his fourth straight start another memorable one after taking starter Julio Teheran’s fastball to left field in the fifth inning.

Though Higashioka, 28, hit only five home runs in 183 at-bats in Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre this season, he hit 21 homers in the minors in 2016, split between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A.

“He’s been known for that power, organizationally speaking. We view him in that light, even though he hasn’t necessarily hit for it down there. The power’s in there,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Do you expect a guy to come up as the third catcher and hit three home runs right away? Maybe not necessarily, but I wouldn’t say the power is honestly a surprise.”

Boone has been even more pleased with Higashioka’s effort behind the plate, helping CC Sabathia to a win, while the lefty threw a season-high 103 pitches.

“[It’s] really impressive, and much-needed with [Romine] being a little banged up,” Boone said. “Leaning on him again, day game after a night game, comes out and hits another homer. One thing he does really, really well is receive, and we can see that each and every game.

“Just another guy, really, in a long line of guys that have come up here, not sure what you’re gonna get when they get thrusted in there, and another guy that’s gone out there and been productive and helped us win games.”

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy