3 Up and 3 Down: New York Yankees Edition 8/7

Coming off the most difficult to watch series of the season the New York Yankees must regroup. We have covered both the lifelessness and the need to get back to basics if they have any chance in the AL East Division. However, even with the sweep suffered at the hands of the arch-nemesis Boston Red Sox some players tried to soften the blow. While others only exacerbated it. We take a look at those players now.

1 Up- Dellin Betances

In what started out as a rocky continuation of his 2017 season Dellin Betances struggled early. (We all remember the fiasco in Toronto.) However, Dellin has truly rebounded and became the Dellin of old. Over his last 30 games, Betances has an ERA of 0.60. Yes, Betances has an ERA under 1. He also during that same stretch has 51 strikeouts against just 14 base on balls. And when we take a closer snapshot of his last seven games, it gets better. Betances over his last seven games possesses an ERA of 0.00 with 12 strikeouts. Dellin has moved himself back into a position of dominance and importance for this New York Yankees team. That dominance will be heavily called upon as the dog days of Summer wind down and transition into the hunt for the playoffs.

1 Down- Aaron Judge

Through no fault of his own Aaron Judge finds his way on this list because he is on the Disabled List. Aaron Judge has been remarkably consistent all season long. He was quietly having another MVP caliber season. Since Judge was placed on the DL, the Yankees have struggled mightily in all offensive categories. Missing Judge’s presence alone affects the lineup not even counting his production. The work that opposing pitchers must put in to try to get him out benefits the entire rest of the lineup. Without Judge, even the number of pitches seen per plate appearances have dropped. Aaron may still have a way to go before returning from his injury (caused by a HBP.) However, his loss in this lineup has far-reaching effects.

2 Up- Zach Britton

When the Yankees acquired Zach Britton, it served two distinct yet equally important goals. First, it kept him away from Boston. Secondly, it provided the Yankees even more depth in case of ineffectiveness or injury. Britton has been worth the trade investment. Over his last seven games, Britton has an ERA of just 1.35. He has also been getting his strength back and allowing his 95+ mph “bowling ball” sinker to work its magic. Britton was a huge trade by the wizard that is Brian Cashman.

2 Down- Sonny Gray

There are no “Sunny” days where Gray is concerned. Sonny Gray has not been effective since donning the Pinstripes at last year’s trade deadline. And every time you think he might be turning a corner he collapses. For the season Gray has an ERA of 5.56, magnified even more of his last seven games pitched his ERA is 7.20. Thus his inability to give consistently decent-to-good performances lead to a demotion to the bullpen. Gray was supposed to be the anchor behind Ace Luis Severino, but he has not been capable of being that thus far. There is still time in the season for Sonny to figure it out, but for now, he has to work on it from the bullpen.

3 Up- Didi Gregorius

In April Didi was a world beater securing April Player of the Month. May was the complete opposite end of the spectrum. But since then Didi Gregorius has been back on the upswing. With still a month and a half to go in the season, Didi already has 20 home runs (career high is 25.) Over his last seven games, Didi is slashing .357/.419/.643 which has been just what the Yankees have needed.

3 Down- Jonathan Holder

Jonathan Holder has pitched some significant innings for the Yankees this season. Which that being said however it seems as if they have now caught up to Holder. Over his last 15 game stretch Holder has an ERA of 7.20 and has allowed a 1.80 WHIP. However, his 15 game stretch looks like a hot stretch when compared to his last seven games. During Holder’s last seven outings his ERA is a whopping 16.88 with a WHIP of 2.81. If the Yankees are going to make a stretch run for the playoffs Holder needs to get this under control. Because Holder has become one of Manager Aaron Boone‘s “trusted” relievers.

B.O.L.O.- Chance Adams

It is not easy making your Major League debut. It is even harder making your Major League debut in Fenway Park against the Red Sox. And harder still this Red Sox team that is on a historic pace. Yet that is the precise situation that Chance Adams was thrust into, and he was very very good. While in his five innings on the Fenway Park mound Adams gave up three runs he was not overmatched. Adams pitched very well holding down the most potent offenses in baseball in 2018. While Adams call-up may be just a one-off production (for now), he has made an outstanding first impression on Yankee fans.