The New York Yankees have started off the 2021 season by failing to produce in categories they normally dominate in. For example, they have only hit 13 home runs, while the Cincinnati Reds have hit 20 and ranked first in the MLB. Normally, the Yankees get off to a hard start, especially with the long ball, which is a big part of their run production.
However, the starting pitching has also been problematic, as Corey Kluber gave up three earned runs and two homers over just four innings of work on Wednesday afternoon. He currently hosts a 6.10 ERA, and while the bullpen has been solid for the most part, Chad Green blew a tie game in the ninth inning, allowing a walk-off home run by Bo Bichette.
Good news and bad news for the Yankees:
The Yankees have a long road ahead of them to break out of this current funk, but there are a few positives to harp on, including Aaron Judge hitting two home runs against Toronto in the loss. He is currently hitting .308 on the season. He was the only Yankee to have more than one hit on the afternoon, he simply can’t win games alone, despite his best efforts.
The only other Yankees to get on base via a hit were Gio Urshela, Gleyber Torres, and Gary Sanchez. Currently, the batting order is inconsistent, as the Yankees miss the presence of Luke Voit at first base. Bruce has been a liability defensively and has been awful in the batter’s box, striking out twice in the defeat.
Aaron Judge said it best, the Yankees’ situational hitting is awful, and it’s something they need to work on together.
“Just inconsistent. That’s the word that I keep coming back to,” Judge said after the game. “Just not consistently having quality at-bats, putting the ball in play when we need to, situational hitting. Tie all that together and it isn’t a good recipe.”
Despite Judge earning his second three-hit performance of the season, the offense is flat, and the defense has been inconsistent as well. Torres remains a liability at shortstop, and Jay Bruce has had his fair share of struggles filling it at first base. Add in Clint Frazier and his inability to hit lately, and the Yankees have a recipe for disaster.