Last night the New York Yankees met the East division Toronto Blue Jays in the first game of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Game one was not kind to the Yankees as they lost the contest 6-2 while not figuring out Jay’s pitcher Steven Matz. Although the loss broke their winning streak, it might be the least of their concerns. Cy Young award winner and recent no-hitter Corey Kluber left the game with a shoulder injury.
New York Yankees winning steak broken
As we all know, the New York Yankees started the season slowly, going 5-10 in their first 15 games for a team that was expected to explode upon the scene and sure bet to go the postseason. With such a slow start to the season, that projection was shattered.
But more recently, the team has made those projections closer to reality. Over the last month, they have won several series and most recently swept the best team in the AL Central, the Chicago White Sox. But last night, their 6 game winning streak ended when the Toronto Blue Jays beat them. The two teams that have given the Yankees the most trouble this season are the Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees have losing records against both teams.
The Yankees have two more games against the Jays before they move on to play the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees are now 28-20, just one game out of first place in the East. The Tampa Bay Rays have overtaken the Boston Red Sox for first place in the division.
Yankees suffer the loss of Corey Kluber
After Corey Kluber’s no-hitter, fans waited with bated breath to see how Kluber would pitch after the Yankees’ 12th no-hitter in its history. Little did those fans know what Kluber knew; he started the first inning with shoulder tightness that he tough might be resolved with the “adrenaline” of the game. Such was not the case, as the pitcher had to leave the game after the third inning. Before he left, he gave up two earned runs while walking three.
If this is a significant injury, it will be a huge blow to the Yankees and Kluber. At the moment, it appears after an exam that the problem may not be a huge problem. Manager Aaron Boone said after the game that we will have to see after tomorrow’s MRI to determine how serious the injury is. It appears he will miss at least one start. One thing is for sure; the Yankees will be cautious bringing him back into the rotation. If the Yankees make the postseason, they will be counting on their number two starter to be at his best.
Yankee’s defense improves
The New York Yankee pitching has, for the most part, been stellar. The hitting and defense haven’t been up to par. The hitting has improved somewhat recently, but the Yankees defense has really stepped up.
The much-maligned Gleyber Torres has greatly improved at short; DJ LeMahieu has been what he always is, just fine. Clint Frazier, although not hitting great, has been making flying catches that dazzle. But the defensive show-off has been Gio Urshela. He has initiated 13 double plays and one triple play to lead baseball in those categories.
Notes:
The New York Yankees will again face the Toronto Blue Jays in game two of the set at 7:05 pm EDT at the Stadium in the Bronx. The Yankees’ Domingo German is scheduled to face the Jays’ Alek Manoah in his major league debut. The weather at the time of this writing is questionable for the entire game. There is a 50% chance of rain with scattered thunderstorms in the area.