Yankees Skid Ahead of Cross-Town Rivalry
The New York Yankees are battling a poor form as they prepare for the upcoming Subway Series against the Mets. They’ve lost seven of their last 10 games and suffered defeats in their previous three series. These unfortunate events have coincided with injuries to some vital team players.
Key Players’ Injuries Loom Large
The team faced a blow when Aaron Judge sat out one game against Baltimore. He had been hit in the left hand during the previous match. Thankfully, Judge has since bounced back to his usual form. However, Anthony Rizzo will be out for about two months due to a fractured forearm sustained on June 16. Recent news also confirmed that Giancarlo Stanton would be absent for around a month due to a mild left hamstring strain. He was placed on the injured list following the 3-1 loss to Atlanta.
Reacting to this, the team’s manager, Aaron Boone, said that injuries are expected during the major-league season. The team started strong but was bound to face health issues.
Still Holding Strong
Despite these hurdles, the Yankees are still faring well with the best record in the American League at 52-28. They’ve successfully navigated injuries this season, thanks in part to the contributions of new players.
Rookie Luis Gil has been sensational, delivering a 9-2 record and a 2.77 ERA. This performance has greatly aided the team in Gerrit Cole’s three-month absence. With Cole’s return, the team’s rotation ERA ranked first among MLB staffs.
Also, Oswaldo Cabrera’s impressive start mitigated the impact of DJ LeMahieu’s absence due to a broken foot. The Yankees now rely on new talents to sustain their good run.
Rejigging After Injuries
Post-injuries, the Yankees have been reassembling their lineup. When Rizzo was injured, the team promoted Ben Rice, a left-handed hitting rookie. Rice has already contributed five hits in his first 17 at-bats.
The team also recently acquired J.D. Davis in a trade deal. A veteran right-handed hitter from the A’s, Davis is expected to share first base duties with Rice. Davis has impressive stats, with a .795 OPS against left-handed pitchers this season and 18 homers last year with the Giants.
With Stanton’s injury, Trent Grisham will likely get more playing time. In his recent game, Grisham was assigned to center field, allowing Judge to take over Stanton’s typical designated hitter role.
Stanton’s Hamstring Woes
This marks Stanton’s first IL stint of the year. Stanton has suffered from lower body injuries throughout his Yankees tenure, previously missing six weeks to a left hamstring strain last season and more than a month the previous year. However, Stanton said the recent strain felt a little better than last year’s.
Despite his injury woes, Stanton’s performances have been revitalizing, boasting a .246 average with 18 home runs. He aims to fully recover in about four weeks.
The Challenge Ahead
The Yankees need to bounce back from their back-to-back series loss to the Red Sox, Orioles, and Braves, which is a rarity for them. Rizzo emphasised the importance of the team’s bonding and the role of off-field activities in winning games.
As they prepare to face the Mets, the Yankees will need every player to contribute. Manager Boone has stressed the importance of the team pulling together in these challenging times.
In conclusion, despite the injuries to key players, the Yankees are optimistic about reclaiming their winning streak. They look forward to the Subway Series in an attempt to regain their mojo and maintain their position in the league.