After enjoying a six-game winning streak last week, the Yankees have come crashing back down to earth, losing four of their last five games, including their most recent two against the Detroit Tigers. To start the series, the Yankees have scored just three runs in two games, giving up nine.
Unfortunately, injuries are taking their toll on the roster, as the starting rotation lost Corey Kluber to a shoulder injury which will keep him out a minimum of four weeks. In the meantime, the Yankees elevated young starter Deivi Garcia, who featured against Detroit on Saturday.
The young Dominican Republic native lasted 4.1 innings, allowing five hits and four earned runs. It was not his most efficient outing, but the offense didn’t do him any favors, as they recorded 12 strikeouts and just three hits.
Good news and bad news for the Yankees:
The bad news remains the Yankees’ inefficient offense, which continues to struggle despite having some of the best hitters in baseball. Rougned Odor struck out three times, and every single batter in the lineup was punched out at some point in the game.
In the loss, the offense went hitless with runners in scoring position, proving yet again that they are struggling to a degree inconceivable for the talent they have available. The Yankees nearly had a big inning in the second, loading the bases with just one out before Miguel Andujar grounded into a double play and Brett Gardner popped out.
The inefficiency of this group is not only a problem, it is devastation, as it was only acceptable as long as the pitching was performing well. However, the starters have struggled recently with injuries taking their toll, and Garcia simply couldn’t hold it down in his second appearance of the season.
In more positive news, Yankees relief pitcher Zack Britton officially started a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Saturday. After undergoing surgery to remove a bone chip in his left elbow, he was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 29. He’s working his way back, but it still likely a few weeks away from a return. He will be a welcomed addition to the bullpen, which has burdened the load as the starters work through a speed bump.