Amed Rosario keeps proving Yankees value with all-around showing

BALTIMORE — There was a time when plenty of people believed Amed Rosario would blossom into a star in New York. 

But those early expectations for Rosario, who made his debut with the Mets in 2017 when he was just 21, were never realized before he was traded to Cleveland in the deal that landed Francisco Lindor in Queens. 

Now, he has a chance to make a different kind of impact across town with the Yankees, and he’s not letting it go to waste. 

The infielder was integral in another Yankee win Thursday night, getting the start at second base against Baltimore lefty Cade Povich and coming through with a two-run double with two outs in the top of the first to spark a 7-0 win over the Orioles. 

The Yankees acquired Rosario from Washington prior to the trade deadline for his veteran presence, ability to play multiple infield positions and hit left-handers. 

In 13 games since joining the Yankees, Rosario is 10-for-25 with four extra-base hits. 

On the season, he entered Thursday with an .859 OPS against lefties. 

And while he isn’t playing every day, Rosario — now 29 — is happy with what he’s been able to do as a Yankee. 

“I prepare the same way I used to when I played every day,’’ Rosario said through an interpreter. “It’s been something over the years where I’ve gotten experience being in this position and have been able to come through.” 

The Yankees value Rosario’s defensive versatility and his effectiveness at the plate. 

“He prepares really well,’’ manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s a pro. I love the energy he brings to the field. He has a veteran presence. He’s been a starter in this league and morphed into a lefty killer who bounces around [on defense].” 

And Rosario is enjoying this second chance of success in New York. 

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“It’s very satisfying to be in this position,’’ Rosario said. “I know how fans want teams in New York to win. I understand their expectations and I hope to get opportunities in the playoffs to deliver for them.” 

There are no regrets with how his first tenure in New York ended. 

Glimpses of the potential the Mets believed he had at shortstop were fleeting and his time in Cleveland featured a solid season in 2022 before brief and mostly forgettable tenures with the Dodgers, Rays, Reds and Nationals. 

Asked if it was disappointing to have not developed into the player some had believed he could be with the Mets, Rosario said he didn’t think much about it — then or now. 

“It wasn’t hard to deal with what everyone thought about me because early on, I was able to separate the level of expectations with the play on the field,” he said. “I was able to hit a switch and eliminate the noise and not have that impact the game on the field. If I thought about the extra pressure, it probably would impact the results, but I just wanted to play.” 

Nearly a decade later, that’s what’s happening, just on the other side of town.