There was a moment last week where the Yankees had won seven of their last nine games, and since, they have lost two consecutive competitive contests against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees have yet to beat Boston this season and will be looking for their first victory on Sunday with Gerrit Cole on the mound, but a significant portion of the damage has already been done.
Heading into the three-game series at Fenway Park, the Yankees were 4.0 games back in the AL East and just 3.5 behind Boston. Currently, they have dropped back down to six games back, with a +3 run differential, showcasing a serious lack of offensive production.
With that being said, general manager Brian Cashman needs to activate his connections ASAP, as the Yankees desperately need help putting runs on the board.
The Yankees’ struggles on offense demoralize the starting pitching:
Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery picked up the loss, as the Yankees couldn’t provide him any spark or cushion. Down 3-0, it took the Bombers until the 8th inning to get anything going, as DJ LeMahieu hit a solo homer to right field. In the ninth inning, LeMahieu struck once again, driving in Rougned Odor on a single to centerfield. While DJ had four hits on the evening, Luke Voit struggled in big moments, striking out with two runners on base and grounding out to shortstop late in the game with a similar scenario.
Reports have indicated that the Yankees are interested in trading for a player who can offer production on offense, potentially someone like Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, it all depends on what they’re asking for in return as the Yankees are trying to stay beneath the $210 million luxury tax threshold.
“We certainly have reached out, between myself and [assistant GM] Mike Fishman, to all parties [in] both leagues,†Brian Cashman said on Friday, at Fenway Park. “We’ve had a lot of conversations but … I wouldn’t say there’s any momentum. I don’t get a sense that there’s a feeling of action right now from the industry. It doesn’t mean that people can’t make a deal or won’t make a deal, but it doesn’t feel like there’s a lot of heavy activity ready to burst.â€
With Aaron Hicks missing the remainder of the season with a wrist injury, Corey Kluber not expected to return till September, and Luis Severino suffering an injury setback with his groin, the Yankees are fighting to stay above water and need support quickly if they want to remain in the playoff hunt.