Yankees marvel at hero Neil Walker’s resiliency

Aaron Judge, Aaron Boone break down how Neil Walker won it for the Yankees in walk-off style in the 11th inning vs. the A’s on Saturday.

NEW YORK — It was enough to make someone go full Milton Waddams from “Office Space.”

Neil Walker wasn’t good at his job. His boss had just promoted the new guy into his spot and cut his workload in half. Boo birds were giving him no respect.

But Walker proved to be the hero in Saturday’s 7-6 win over the A’s at Yankee Stadium.

His walk-off single in the 11th inning brought the Yankees charging from their dugout to tackle him and dump water over his head.

He’s starting to prove he wasn’t a $4 million overpay by general manager Brian Cashman.

“He’s a pro,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s proven who he is throughout his career and that’s a guy that can hit. I get excited and I admire when guys handle adversity really well, which he always has.”

A’s coach wanted Aaron Boone’s job

Aaron Judge felt the same way.

“He’s just a professional,” the slugger said. “The definition of it. He comes in here, works his butt off every single day.  Doesn’t matter if you need him at DH, third base, first base, probably plays some outfield, too. He just comes out here and does his job.”

Walker, who went 2-for-5, clubbed reliever Chris Hatcher’s 93-mph fastball into the outfield for a single, scoring Gary Sanchez easily as the throw home from center fielder Mark Canha sailed wide right.

On Tuesday, Walker scored the game-winning run against the Red Sox.

The Yankees snapped a two-game losing streak and had a chance to stay atop the American League East over the Red Sox, with whom they started the day tied.

“Just a good hitter,” Boone said. “Always has been. Especially left-handed. More good at-bats (Saturay). … Through the winning, he’s had a big hand in a lot of it. Another one (Saturday) for him. Not surprising, knowing the quality of at-bat that he gives us it seems like day in and day out now.”

Walker hit .163 through his first 21 games and watched top prospect Gleyber Torres take his job at second base. Since then, Walker has been splitting time with Tyler Austin at first base. He pitched in at third base Friday.

Walker, who has three other career walk-off hits, is 9-for-25 (.360) in his last nine games.

“My timing and my rhythm weren’t where I wanted the to be,” Walker said. “I said it’s going to take a couple hard-hit balls, a couple good timed-up balls and as a guy who has played this game a long time you know when it’s starting to come.”

Seems like for Walker, that time is now.

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