The New York Yankees took pride in their hitting lineup this year with dynamic duo os Juan Soto and Aaron Judge leading the charge of the offensive production bravely. Both Judge and Soto have 40+ home runs combined and are expected to compete fiercely in the AL-MVP race.
However, there is more to it that meets the eye. The New York Yankees problem lies in their lower hitting order. With lack of production from the depth, the Bronx Bombers got hit with another injury concern in Giancarlo Stanton. Now, with Stanton on IL, the Yanks offense is likely to suffer massively.
Lower Hitting Order Must Take Responsibility For Yankees Success!
This year, while the star power of players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto has grabbed headlines, the performance of the lower order has failed to provide the depth and consistency needed to compete at the highest level. The Yanks’ offensive lineup is heavily dependent on the big four at the top, i.e. Anthony Volpe, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton. Moreover, with Stanton getting sidelined due to hamstring strain, the Yanks’ offence will further be left paralysed, fears many AL scouts. Notably, the likes of DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres and Austin Wells have not performed to their potential. LeMahieu is yet to hit an extra-base hit since coming off from a foot injury earlier this month.
After never-ending woes, Anthony Rizzo has been sidelined for 8 weeks with an arm fracture. Gleyber Torres has been a disappointment as well as Austin Wells is still getting adjusted to major-league pitching. Notably, no Yankee has a batting average above .250 through 80 games besides Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Anthony Volpe. While it’s still June, and the Yankees are happy with a 52-28 record, the lack of production from the lower order will hurt the team in the final stretch of the season. Scouts also believe that it could limit the team’s success in the postseason, and that is true to an extent. Hence, the success of the Bronx Bombers hinges on every player embracing their role and contributing when it matters most. As the season progresses, the lower order’s responsibility will be a key factor in the team’s pursuit of championship glory.
Aaron Boone Expects J.D Davis To Leave A Spark
In the aftermath of Anthony Rizzo’s arm fracture injury, the New York Yankees traded first baseman J.D Davis from the Oakland Athletics last week. With a .779 career OPS against left-handed pitchers, manager Aaron Boone expects Davis to leave a spark in the Yanks’ hitting lineup against lefties. “Hopefully, he can be a little shot in the arm and be a piece to help us win some games,” Boone said.
Notably, the New York Yankees moved injured Nick Burdi to 60-day IL to make room for J.D Davis. Oswald Peraza was also an option extensively considered as Rizzo’s replacement. However, with Davis’ trade coming through, Peraza was recalled and optioned back to Triple-A Railriders in less than a day’s time.
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