Yankees News, 6/25: Taillon takes major step forward, Cashman on the trade prowl

New York Yankees, Aaron Boone, jameson taillon

Apr 7, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, left, takes the ball from starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) during the top of the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees took on the Kansas City Royals on Thursday afternoon, looking to string together another victory — thankfully, they did so in fashion. The Yankees have only lost two of their last nine games and plastered the Royals for eight runs in the win. However, the biggest positive on Thursday was starting pitcher Jamison Taillon, who lasted 6.1 innings, allowing five hits and just one earned run. This was undoubtedly his best game of the season, and considering he currently hosts a 5.18 ERA, this clear progression is worth writing home about.

Prior to Thursdayâ€™s game, Taillon had lost his last four contests, giving up 12 earned runs during that time frame. He also allowed 20 overall hits and walked six batters. To see him take a significant step forward is exactly what the starting rotation needed, especially with Corey Kluber out for the next few weeks having suffered a shoulder injury.

The Yankees will now take on the Boston Red Sox on Friday evening with Domingo German on the mound. German has a 4.17 ERA and has allowed 14 homers and 67 hits over 69 innings pitched this year. For Boston, they will feature Martin Perez, who hosts a 4.32 ERA; the Yankees should have an advantage in this game. Boston is coming off three losses over their last four games, including two consecutively to the Tampa Bay Rays. They have scored just three runs in their past two games, indicating a minor cold streak.

The Yankees currently sit 3.5 games back from Boston and four games back from the 1st place Tampa Bay Rays. They can make a major dent in that number heading into a three-game series over the weekend.

The Yankees will likely be active during the trade deadline:

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com stated that Ketel Marte would be a perfect trade target for the Yankees, who’re in need of offensive/utility support:

Ketel MarteÂ of the D-backs would be the best solution, though he is signed through 2022 (with affordable club options for 2023 and â€™24), so the price tag to acquire him could be more than Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is willing to pay.

Marte would be a phenomenal pick-up for the Bombers, as heâ€™s currently hitting .366 with four homers and 21 RBIs over 36 games this season. Logging an 11.7 batting and baserunning combined above-average score, he has been an offensive weapon for the Diamondbacks since returning from injury. The Yankees could use a utility player in the infield on a relatively affordable deal.