After a disappointing defeat to the Texas Rangers on Monday, the Yankees bounced back with a strong performance offensively, posting seven runs on 13 hits and just six strikeouts. The Yankees didn’t need home runs to post points on the board, as they utilized adequate contact hitting to give themselves the advantage.
After falling to the Baltimore Orioles and Rangers consecutively, the Yankees desperately needed to find a way to increase their spirits and return to the win column. While starting pitcher Jameson Taillon struggled yet again, the relief pitching was phenomenal, not allowing a single hit over the last four innings of the game, and recorded four strikeouts.
Good news and bad news for the Yankees:
Offensively, the Yankees bounced back in a nice way, as DJ LeMahieu recorded three RBIs on the evening and the first five batters in the lineup recorded seven hits.
In his first action back from injury, Rougned Odor recorded two hits, but oddly, Gary Sanchez was taken out of the game in the latter portions in favor of Kyle Higashioka. Outfielder Miguel Andujar looked phenomenal in the victory, recording two hits and two runs over four at-bats, elevating his average to .172.
Reports indicated that Sanchez was taken out for cramping in his left hamstring, so this was not a performance-based move. Hopefully, it is nothing long-term, and he will bounce back after a day off on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, it was a great sign to see DJ LeMahieu producing on offense. He’s struggled this year after signing a long-term extension with the Yankees. In the fourth inning, LeMahieu doubled to right field, driving and Andujar and Mike Ford. In the sixth inning, he hit a sacrifice fly to center, driving in Andujar once again.
When DJ is performing, the Yankees seem to follow, so it is no surprise that they secured a victory with seven runs on the board in the game where he was efficient with runners in scoring position.
In more positive news, Gleyber Torres should return to the team within the next few days after contracting Covid for the second time. Negatively, Giancarlo Stanton will be out at least a week, potentially even more after injuring his quad. Nothing we didn’t expect when it comes to Stanton and his injury problems.