New York Yankees: Can Brett Gardner be the catalyst for success?

New York Yankees, Brett Gardner
May 29, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) rounds the bases after hitting a game tying two run home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Yankees look to strike back against the Boston Red Sox in a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, outfielder Brett Gardner will return and look to make an impact after watching his team get blown out in Boston.

While Gardner will return, left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ was placed on the major-league paternity list and utility man Tyler Wade was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Stephan Tarpley was also optioned to AAA.

Before succumbing to injury, the Yankees veteran outfielder played in 92 of the first 97 games of the season, collecting 15 home runs and 41 RBI while hitting .243.

However, Gardner’s primary influence isn’t his offensive production, it is his veteran leadership and ability to rally the troops when things go wrong. The Yankees have been struggling with their starting pitching rotation, with several injuries playing a major part. Now that Happ is also unavailable, The bombers will need to supplement their lack of efficiency in the rotation with run production.

Earlier in the week, manager Aaron Boone stated that Gardner responded well to a cortisone shot earlier in the week and that he would be prepared to play over the weekend.

In addition to Gardner, Cameron Maybin will also be available to play. Maybin who was injured on July 26, has recovered from a strained left calf. He is hitting .320 this season with five home runs and 16 RBIs.  Hopefully, the return of two influential outfielders will help the Yankees return to form. The first half of the season showed how capable they are of dominating against good teams with stellar offense and solid pitching.

The primary issue moving forward will be the starting pitching rotation, but they will see Luis Severino return within the next few weeks, hopefully. He is still recovering from a shoulder injury and they are proceeding with caution to ensure he does not re-injure the shoulder.

General manager Brian Cashman elected to stay put before the trade deadline which could ultimately hurt the Yankees down the road. If Severino can return to full health and contribute for the playoffs that fear may subside. If Severino cannot return to full health and regain his 2018 form, the Yankees could be in big trouble, especially with CC Sabathia on the injured list and several other options moving forward with minor ailments.