The New York Yankees faced off against the Mets on Saturday for the first time this season, falling 8-3. Another loss for the Yankees has set them back tremendously, as they have won just one of their last seven games, indicating a serious cold streak.
With the team struggling, slugger Aaron Judge called a players only meeting to discuss how the team can turn things around quickly. Judge is having himself an adequate season, sitting with a .284 average, 19 home runs, and 43 runs batted in, leading the team in all three categories.
Considering how well Judge is playing, it is easy for him to work out the kinks in his armor, but the remainder of the team continues the struggle considerably. Against the Mets, Tijuana Walker lasted 5.2 innings and gave up two earned runs before handing it over to the bullpen. Walker was solid in his outing, as Jordan Montgomery allowed three runs over 4.1 innings, elevating his ERA to 4.17. The relief didn’t fare much better, as Justin Wilson allowed five earned runs without recording an out.
The Yankees are affectively imploding, and it only gets worse with every passing game. Despite Francisco Lindor struggles this year, he recorded two hits and two walks in the first game of the series.
Prior to the Yankees lost, Judge spoke to the media regarding the players only meeting:
“It was a good time for a lot of us to be honest with each other. Maybe say some things on our mind, some things that guys have been hearing, some things that guys have been thinking, and just kind of have the chance to open the floor for everybody,†Judge said. “When you’re in a clubhouse, we’re all brothers in there, we’re family. All the best teams I’ve been on, you’re able to say what you need to say to somebody and not let somebody’s feelings get hurt. It was a good meeting. There was a lot of emotion but I think overall it was great for the team.â€
Derek Dietrich opts out of deal with Yankees:
When the Yankees originally signed Derek Dietrich, they imagined he would play a reserve role and supplement injuries this year. The 31-year-old infielder has yet to be called up to the majors, which led him to opt out of his deal and pursue work with another team. With Triple-A, Dietrich was hitting just .215 with four doubles and five homers, so the Yankees clearly didn’t see the offensive production they hoped after signing him to a minor league deal this spring.