Coming off a successful series against the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees drew a dud against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday evening. With Jameson Taillon getting his first start of the season, the Bombers were unable to provide him any run support, as young Toronto starter Alek Manoah lasted 6.0 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven batters.
Toronto looks like a legitimate threat in the AL East, despite the Tampa Bay Rays starting off strong as well. The Yankees have themselves a real battle this season trying to fend off two up-and-coming teams with World Series aspirations.
Good news:
After three consecutive games with inconsistent starting pitching, the Yankees boasted a solid performance from Taillon, who lasted five innings and gave up just two runs. Taillon struck out six batters in the process, allowing a homer in the 3rd inning from George Springer.
Over the first four games of the season, Taillon’s performance might’ve been the best from a starting pitcher, which is extremely exciting given his injury issues last year. Offensively, the entire team went quiet, aside from Joey Gallo, who clearly heard the boo-birds and negative backlash from the first three games of the season.
Gallo tallied a single in the 2nd inning and single in the 9th to deep right field. The former Texas Ranger has just missed a few homers, but field manager Aaron Boone came to his defense, indicating he’s been getting bat to ball on more pitches this year compared to last.
Bad news:
Offensively, the Yankees were incredibly disappointing against Toronto. Lead-off hitter DJ LeMahieu struck out twice in an 0-for-4 day. The team recorded just four hits combined, an inexcusable performance after enjoying success against Boston.
After an impeccable spring, catcher Kyle Higashioka has struggled, hitting just. 091 on the season and failing to get on base against Toronto. However, he made solid contact on two of his at-bats, recording a fly-out to center and line-out to right field.
Overall, the pitching has been rather efficient for the Bombers aside from a few tough innings. Offensively, they can’t have games where they simply disappear.