Why the New York Yankees will not make it past the first round of the playoffs

New York Yankees, Gary Sanchez
Sep 12, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) tagged out by Detroit Tigers shortstop Jordy Mercer (7) in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If the 2019 MLB regular season were to end today, the New York Yankees would either face the Oakland Athletics or Tampa Bay rays in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams are stacked full of talent and will present formidable challenges against a Yankees squad that can’t seem to avoid injuries this season.

On Friday, the Yankees played in a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, coming away with two victories.  However, the wins were also accompanied by two injuries to starting players on the team.

Catcher Gary Sanchez and Edwin Encarnacion both left the game with ailments that could linger until the start of the postseason.

Sanchez overstretched his leg on a stolen base attempt in the fourth inning. After having several groin issues in the last two seasons, this could be concerning for the starting catcher. Encarnacion left the game with a strained left oblique muscle. To make matters even worse, starting pitcher J.A. Happ is also dealing with some health issues, although manager Aaron Boone wasn’t too concerned.

The Bombers are already without a majority of their starting outfielders. At the moment, they are featuring Clint Frazier, Aaron Judge, and Brett Gardner as the starting three. They are without Cameron Maybin, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Hicks. The Yankees are journeying forward despite their dwindling depth and overall lack of support.

The reality is, the New York Yankees could be destined for failure primarily due to injuries. The unfathomable amount of ailments that continue to be picked up day-in and day-out will hurt the team and disable them from the ground up.

The starting pitching rotation is thin, the bullpen is struggling with minor injuries, the outfield is decimated, and the infield is battling through scratches and bruises.

Without depth during the postseason, the Yankees will have an incredibly difficult time fighting against better teams that are 100% healthy. Luckily, they will return starting pitcher Luis Severino on Tuesday and will hopefully game back Dellin Betances before the postseason begins. Stanton is also preparing for his return and will be needed.

The bottom line, health must be managed carefully, and the Yankees need to be careful with their starting players. They are already a lock for the postseason and need to finish in an average way. Resting their regular starters and allowing them to manage their bodies should be the priority.