NEW YORK — Joey Gallo knows the deal. In New York City, it’s play well or hear boos.
He’s not letting it get to him.
“It is what it is,” Gallo told reporters before Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. “You play in New York, you understand that’s going to be part of it. They want a winning product. It’s just part of the business. We’re professional baseball players. You’ve got to go out there and do your job and do it to your best. It’s not anything I’m not too upset about or anything.”
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Gallo has had a rough time at the plate since joining the Yankees at the trade deadline via the Rangers.
Through 35 games, he’s hit just .130 with a 61 strikeouts in 123 at-bats. He’s hit six homers and posted a .617 OPS.
Gallo spoke to reporters for a few minutes Tuesday:
What have you been working on?
Gallo: Just trying to get back into the feel I was having earlier in the year. That’s about it. Just getting my swing back to where I feel good, let the ball travel. Just getting back to that.
How frustrating has this stretch been for you?
Gallo: I mean, obviously, I want play well. Especially coming to a new team. But at the same time, it’s not the first time. It’s baseball. You’re going to struggle some times. Obviously working hard to get back to where I know I can be and help the team win. So, it’s frustrating not winning games, but that’s part of baseball and I’ve just got to keep working through it and figure it out.
Do you think a day off could help you clear your head?
Gallo: I think a day is good every once in a while, especially this streak, the stretch that we’ve had. We’ve had a really tough schedule to be honest with you. Playing a lot of makeup games and doubleheaders and whatnot and not really many days off. I think that will help. Just kind of get your legs back under you and some work without having to worry about playing and see what happens.
You said you’ve dealt with stuff like this in the past, is there anything in particular you’ve done in the past to get you on the right track?
Gallo: Just keep showing up and playing and that’s really it. Like I said, I’m a high strikeout guy. It’s not like I hit .300. I’m a walk guy, hit home runs. I want to be better than that but that’s kind of the player I am. I’ve gone through streaks before. It’s just about going out and showing up every day and working and swing at strikes and eventually that will click and things will start to go your way.
You’ve heard some boos lately. How have you handled that?
Gallo: Oh, yeah, I thought they were saying, “Luuuuke!” I’m just kidding. I did like when Luke was hitting behind me because I didn’t know if I was getting boos or Lukes. I was hoping they were Lukes. It is what it is. You play in New York, you understand that’s going to be part of it. They want a winning product. It’s just part of the business. We’re professional baseball players. You’ve got to go out there and do your job and do it to your best. It’s not anything I’m not too upset about or anything.
Will you do anything tonight? Work? Take a mental break?
Gallo: I’m working. I’m doing early work and whatnot. I’ll be ready to come into the game. I’m sure if the game is close I’ll come in to do something, play defense or pinch hit or something. But just because you have a day off doesn’t mean you’re off. You always stay ready.
How hard it is when you’re transitioning to a new place, new coaches?
Gallo: It’s different because it’s a different situation. I’d been in Texas for 10 years. There was a lot of relationships I’d built there. A lot of people I trust, and they had that trust in me as well. When we were looking at video from years past, just trying to figure out getting back into that rhythm and that setup that I had and that swing that I was taking. It’s tougher. They’re learning me, and I’m learning them at the same time. It might take a little bit but it’s nice. No excuses. Still have to go out and perform. It’s on me. It’s not on anybody else.
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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com.
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