In a season-inaugural home series marred with earthquakes and controversial officiating, the New York Yankees beat the odds to emerge victorious over the Toronto Blue Jays. With a record 8-3 win in the finale, the Yanks won the three-game series 2-1. That being said, the first home series was filled with special moments and brought a lot of positives for the red-hot Bronx Bombers. Let’s explore four such mega takeaways that would fuel the team’s motivation for the rest of the year.
1. Anthony Volpe Set For A Breakout Year
A rookie shortstop who fairly impressed in 2023 came out all guns blazing in his sophomore season. Anthony Volpe has been getting one hit after another and unlocked a career-high milestone in the series finale. On Sunday, Volpe went 5-11 with three runs and three stolen bases. He previously had a four-hit game in the away series as well. He is currently hitting .424 with a home run, 3 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases. Moreover, the shortstop’s golden glove skills have been on full display in the infield as well. At this rate, Volpe is slated to record a breakout year and finally live up to the hype created prior to his major league debut.
2. Giancarlo Stanton Getting Hot After A Horror Start
Despite a strong spring season, Giancarlo Stanton kicked off the 2024 season on an underwhelming note. He led the league in strikeouts and wasted at-bat after at-bat until the season-opening home series. Stanton used the fans’ cheers to his advantage to come alive in the final two games of the series. He slammed two home runs, which included a smoking hot grand slam in Yankees 8-3 finale win over Jays. Overall, in the home series, Stanton went 4-for-12 with two home runs, five RBI, and two runs scored. His season average is still low (.219). But the Yankees would take these glimpses of a resurgence as hope for a better future.
3. Marcus Stroman: The Yankees New Anchor
After the New York Yankees lost ace Gerrit Cole to an elbow injury, many feared a meltdown of rotation due to a lack of an anchor pitcher. However, the newest recruit, Marcus Stroman, embraced the responsibility to pitch a dream start on the home opener. He threw six shutout innings but sadly couldn’t lead the team to victory. Nevertheless, Stroman’s control and ability to thrive under pressure are some of the qualities that will help him succeed at the Yankee Stadium. Until Cole returns, the Yanks can definitely count on Stroman to lead the rotation.
4. Gerrit Cole Resumes Baseball-Related Activities
In the biggest positive news coming from the New York Yankees, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole has resumed playing catch after being shut down with an elbow nerve inflammation injury. Cole is currently placed on 60-day IL, with a return unlikely until the first week of June. However, manager Aaron Boone confirmed Cole falling back on his throwing program from this week onwards. Moreover, throughout his rehab, Gerrit Cole will continue to be a part of the team as a mentor.
Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team
