The Yankees have been in the midst of a 5-5 stretch over their last ten games. And stretching back the entire month of June, the Bronx Bombers are 6-8. That’s not the kind of start to the month the Yankees wanted. But even amid the slide, there are things to be hopeful about, and that’s the premise this article.
1 Up: Giancarlo Stanton
The Bronx Bombers are about to have reinforcements coming soon with the return of Giancarlo Stanton. Giancarlo has been activated today, and his presence in the lineup will provide even more depth than the Yankees previously had through the nine spots. Big G has been dropping bombs during his rehab appearances. And bringing that power to the Bronx makes the Yankees even more feared.
1 Down: Clint Frazier
But the return of Giancarlo Stanton made a casualty of Clint Frazier. Clint has had some defensive hiccups this season but offensively been solid for the Bronx Bombers. Frazier was optioned down to Triple-A to make room for Stanton’s return. This move could signal the Yankees willingness to move Frazier for the right kind of deal.
(On a side note, I’m a huge fan of Clint Frazier. I think that he is very talented and has all the makings of a superstar. But I’m not sure that will happen in the Bronx. While I would be sad not having Red Thunder in the Pinstripes, Frazier might have a greater opportunity elsewhere.)
2 Up: Aaron Judge
Over the weekend, Aaron Judge began rehabbing with the Triple-A, Scranton Railriders. This is incredible news for the New York Yankees as adding Judge back onto the roster will take the lineup to new heights. Aaron Judge’s presence in the lineup allows the rest of the order to relax and be pitched different, almost easier. Not to mention the damage that can be done with Aaron swings the bat.
2 Down: Kendrys Morales
The switch-hitting first baseman/designated hitter was brought in as low risk and low-cost option when the Yankees were adding players to the IL every day. But this season has been one struggle after the other for Morales. And currently, Kendrys finds himself on the IL to add to his down season. And with the return of Aaron Judge approaching, Kendrys is likely to find himself designated for assignment once again.
3 Up: Brett Gardner
The longest-tenured Yankee started the season off on a slow step. Which lead many Yankee fans to question the contract Gardner was given. But over last weeks worth of games, Brett Gardner has been on fire. Over the last seven games, Gardy has been slashing .348/.464/.826. The .826 Slugging Percentage is partly because of the three home runs. Brett Gardner also has ten RBI’s and a 2-to-1 Walk to Strikeout Ratio. Gardner also has nine runs scored and eight hits in twenty-three at-bats over that seven-game span. Brett has always been a streaky player, but this has arguably been the best streak of his career.
3 Down: Dellin Betances
We would receive a setback report on Dellin Betances. Dellin would be shut down, and this will prolong his opportunity to return before the All-Star break. Betances has been one of the best relievers in all of Major League Baseball over the last several seasons. But in this his “walk-year,” Dellin hasn’t yet been able to get onto the mound.
B.O.L.O: Edwin Encarnacion
The newest member of the Bronx Bombers currently has an AL-leading 22 Home Runs. Edwin Encarnacion should provide the Yankees with more depth in the lineup. Encarnacion is slated to be the Yankees DH mostly and occasionally play first. And even though Eddie is another right-handed batter, in the Yanks righty-heavy lineup, Encarnacion’s all fields power should play well. The Yankee Universe should enjoy seeing the Encarnacion’s “parrot” flying around the Bronx.
One Reply to “3 Up & 3 Down New York Yankees”