Cold streaks are unacceptable in a 60-game season that holds so much value with each contest. The New York Yankees will have to make logical moves to improve their roster, especially on offense, as they scored just two runs against a lackluster Washington Nationals pitcher on Saturday evening.
However, some players have already got off to a poor start, and while two games is a very small sample size to judge, we must consider everything in a different way this season. On Opening Day, the Yankees won 4-1 on a rainout over six innings, but left-fielder Brett Gardner struck out all three times.
His offense has been extremely disheartening, and that didn’t change in game two on Saturday, as he failed to gain a hit over six consecutive at-bats. While he did earn one walk, the Yankees moved him down to the ninth spot in the order, but he might be left out altogether if he continues to struggle.
The New York Yankees have options
The Yankees have tons of options in the outfield, including Mike Tauchman, Clint Frazier, and Miguel Andujar. Most have been calling on Tauchman’s name, who had a stellar season with the Yankees in 2019. He posted a .277 batting average with 13 homers and 47 RBIs. His .361 on-base percentage was solid, and his defense is also consistent, posting a .994 fielding percentage with just one error over 86 games in the outfield.
But the best offensive weapon the Yankees have to utilize his Andujar, who is still working on his transition to left field. Miguel struggled at times in the outfield during summer camp, but he has grasped the position well and is committed to earning his stripes. However, utilizing his offense could be a necessity for the Yankees if Gardner continues to struggle.
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Andujar is an exceptional talent, having posted a .297 batting average was 27 homers and 92 RBIs in 2018. While he might be the outlier of the group based on his defense alone, the Bombers need a spark where Brett Gardner is currently hitting, and while I imagine they won’t be quick to replace him, they have to begin considering their options.