The Yankees might have won the series against the Seattle Mariners but fell 3–2 on Thursday evening, a day after clinching a playoff berth. While their spot in the Wild Card round is secure, the Yankees are aiming to finish strong and overtake the Baltimore Orioles for the division title, which would allow them to bypass the first round of the playoffs and secure a spot in the ALDS.
Clark Schmidt’s Bumpy Start but Strong Recovery
Clark Schmidt had a rough start but managed to settle in after the first inning. He gave up all three runs, only one of which was earned, in the bottom of the first inning. Over five innings, Schmidt struck out seven batters and walked three. His performance might have been better if not for a fielding error by Jasson Dominguez, which allowed some early damage. Considering the circumstances, Schmidt can be cut some slack.
Schmidt holds a 2.37 ERA this season and is expected to transition to a bullpen role in the playoffs, where his versatility will be a major asset to the Yankees.
Yankees’ Injuries and Bullpen Woes
The Yankees suffered a setback on Thursday with the loss of relief pitcher Jake Cousins. Cousins exited the game after just six pitches due to a right pectoral injury. His fastball velocity was down 3.1 mph before the decision was made to pull him from the game. Tim Hill came in and pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief, helping to stabilize the situation.
Clay Holmes closed out the game, but the Yankees’ offense couldn’t do enough to mount a comeback.
Offensive Struggles and Stanton’s Slump
The Yankees struggled offensively, managing only six hits while striking out 14 times as a team. Jazz Chisholm provided the only real highlight with a two-run homer in the third inning, but that was the extent of the Yankees’ scoring. The top five hitters in the lineup combined for nine strikeouts, with Giancarlo Stanton striking out three times.
Stanton’s struggles continue to be a concern for the Yankees. Over the past 30 days, he’s hitting just .197 with a .279 OBP. The Yankees desperately need Stanton to find his form before the playoffs, as he has the ability to be a game-changer in crucial, high-stakes matchups.
Jasson Dominguez: Mixed Performance
Despite the error in left field that contributed to Schmidt’s early troubles, Jasson Dominguez had some bright moments at the plate, recording a double and a single. As the playoffs approach, it will be interesting to see whether manager Aaron Boone relies on Dominguez or Alex Verdugo in left field. Dominguez’s defensive inconsistencies since his promotion could influence Boone’s decision-making in critical games.
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Yankees Look Ahead to Oakland Series
The Yankees now turn their attention to a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics, starting Friday evening at 9:40 PM. Gerrit Cole will take the mound, squaring off against JT Ginn, who has a 4.94 ERA this season over 23.2 innings. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Yankees will look to build momentum and fine-tune their lineup as they prepare for a deep postseason run.