Thanks to the chef: the curious reason that Alex Verdugo revealed about the improvement in his performance

Nutrition in elite sports is a fundamental factor for high performance. Precisely that was the curious reason with which the Mexican-American Alex Verdugo argued his improvement in performance with the Yankees at this start of the American League Division Series.

As soon as the game ended, in the press conference after the Yankees’ 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals, the outfielder gave credit for his saving performance to his personal chef.

“It has made me feel much better, with more energy during the day and recovering a little more, with less lethargy,” he said.

Verdugo hired a personal chef for this season with the aim of improving his numbers and his performances on the field. This strategy is used by many athletes in various branches such as football, tennis or boxing.

The maneuver seems to have brought results. The outfielder was the hero of the Yankees’ last 6-5 victory against the Kansas City Royals. This, thanks to a single that broke the tie in the seventh inning.

Defensively, Verdugo excelled with a catch with a maneuver included in left field. With the Yankees trailing 3-2, the Mexican-American made a great save by sliding into Michael Massey’s fly ball in the fourth inning, just inside the line to strand two runners.

The ball hit the heel of Verdugo’s glove, ricocheting off his chest before he caught it with his free hand. He turned a possible double into an out. “Thank goodness it bounced to the left hand, so everything came out,” he said about that action.

This is his first playoff round since the Yankees signed him from Boston. Through June, Verdugo hit .266. Their level began to decline along with the negative streak of the Bronx Bombers (39-38).

His average dropped to .197 until August. He lost his place on the team to the detriment of the Dominican Jasson Domínguez. Verdugo has barely started in 11 games since then. He compiled a .233 offensive average – his lowest in a full season.

Just 13 home runs and 61 RBIs. However, Aaron Boone decided to count on him for the match against Kansas City and responded.

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