Benintendi disappointed by slow start to Yankees career

New York Yankees outfielder Andrew Benintendi is well aware of his struggles since coming over in a trade with the Kansas City Royals on July 28.

"Not the start that I wanted or anticipated," Benintendi told NJ Advance Media's Brendan Kuty on Saturday. "But it's part of the game, I guess. Just trying to find something to get going."

Benintendi entered play Saturday with just a pair of hits in 24 at-bats with the Yankees. He's drawn eight walks, enabling him to post a .303 on-base percentage.

"I'm just making a lot of weak contact," Benintendi said. "Not driving the ball at all. My timing's a little off."

The Yankees acquired Benintendi for his ability to make consistent contact while playing strong defense in left field. The 28-year-old admitted the move from a cellar-dwelling team like the Royals to a division leader could be playing a role in his struggles.

"Whenever you get traded, you want to prove why it was a good trade," Benintendi said.

"You want to play well for a new fanbase and a new team. I don't think I was trying too hard or anything like that, but maybe I was thinking about it too much. Again, you're going to go through these stretches throughout the season, and this is really my first stretch where I've been like this."

Benintendi credited his new teammates for being supportive and understanding as he looks to find his footing.

"Hopefully they know this isn't who I am as a hitter or anything like that," he said. "And they do, I think. The more comfortable I get with everybody and the more I ease in, it'll be better."