What’s behind this Yankee’s historic power binge

Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka’s first three MLB hits have been home runs, including a solo homer in the 6-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 (7/4/18) at Yankee Stadium.

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NEW YORK — Catcher Kyle Higashioka looked like he might go into the record books for the wrong reason.

Now he’s landed in elite company.

Higashioka’s third home run of his career, which came in the Yankees‘ 6-2 win over the Braves at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, was also his third career hit.

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The last Yankees player to homer for his first three hits: Alfonso Soriano in 1999 and 2000.

Higashioka also became the last player to do that since the Rockies’ Trevor Story in 2016, who homered for his first four hits, and the ninth player to do it since 1900.

Higashioka, 28, didn’t make his major-league debut until last season — his development derailed by injuries and the rise of Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez, whose spot Higashioka actually took since Sanchez went on the disabled list with a groin strain.

Higashioka hit 21 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2016, though.

Higashioka started his career hitless in his first 22 at-bats.

“He’s been known for that power,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I think organizationally speaking, we view him in that light, even though he hasn’t necessarily hit for it down there, the power’s in there, especially against left-handed pitching. It’s why we’re high on him — his ability to receive and we feel like his ability to slug, especially left-handed pitching. 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 honestly is a surprise. We’ve all seen it, especially within the organization.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.