Last night after sweeping the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees started game one of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium against the Minnesota Twins. They won game one 7-5 on their way to another series win. The win last night was the Yankees’ seventh in a row.
Jameson Taillon okay in Yankee win
Jameson Taillon, who has been the best Yankee pitcher over the past six weeks, sailed through the first five innings last night, putting away 15 Twins hitters. But then came the sixth inning when a Cave home run ended his night. He struck out five without issuing a walk. Even though he gave up three runs, he kept the Yankees in the game.
Wandy Peralta came in and pitched 1.2 perfect innings. He was replaced by Zack Britton and Chad Green, who both gave up a run. The Yankee offense held up the pitching giving those pitchers seven runs to work with. Taillon got the win, and Green got the save.
Velazquez emerging as a Yankee spark
Since Andrew Velazquez was brought up from the Rail Riders in recent games, he seems to be involved in a Yankees win with either offense or defense or both. He has been providing a spark that has been missing a good part of the year. Just like the addition of Rougie Odor earlier in the season, he seems to have helped change the culture of the Yankees. adding more excitement to games. Last night the young shortstop had a standup triple, stole a base, and went two for three on the night.
Home runs remain king for the Yankees
The new and improved New York Yankees have recently found ways to win games where they don’t hit home runs. But make no mistake about it, the home run is still king for a team built around those long balls. Last night in the fourth inning, backup catcher Kyle Higasioka hit a homer. In the eighth inning, Giancarlo Stanton hit a cheap one into the short porch in right. The Yankees won the game by two runs.
Severino: Good and bad news
First, the bad former ace pitcher Luis Severino may not pitch in the big leagues this season. The good news is that his recent setback may not be as big of a problem as it could have been. Severino was removed from a rehab start with shoulder tightness. He was sent for an MRI and showed there was no structural damage. Nonetheless, he was sent for a second opinion which confirmed that there indeed were no structural problems.
He will probably not throw this week as they go slow with Severino; also, he will travel with the team and may see a specialist there on the west coast tour.
On brighter news, reliever Clay Holmes that has been so good for the New York Yankees is nearing a return from the Covid list; he could rejoin the team during this series.