The New York Yankees’ offense, who has been the key to their first half success this year, has developed cracks largely due to lack of responsibility from the lower order. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been right on the money. However, the rest of the lineup, including the veteran, have been liabilities.
That being said, with 2024 MLB season nearing it’s halfway stage, the New York Yankees offensive numbers have come down significantly. And MLB scouts now believe the lower order woes and injury crisis are two of the biggest factors leading to the crisis in the Yankee clubhouse.
Yankees Hitting Lineup Under Scrutiny Over Inconsistency
An MLB scout recently took a shot at the New York Yankees’ lineup, specifically targeting star outfielder Aaron Judge. The scout’s comments focused on the Yanks’ perceived over-reliance on the top order and the inconsistency in the offensive production of the lower order. The anonymous scout said that if Judge gets injured, the lineup will crash, and given the captain’s recent past, that scenario seems very likely. Notably, Yanks hitters have registered 399 runs scored (2nd in MLB), a .250 batting average (9th), a .331 OBP (4th), and .430 slugging (3rd). Additionally, the team ranks 11th in OPS (.74) and 18th in batting average (.239) this month. In the last seven games, the Bombers rank 22nd in runs scored (28).
And now, to add to the misery, Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have landed on long-term IL, which will further deplete the depth. Hence, just like every year, the offensive production duties will fall on Aaron Judge’s shoulders. While Juan Soto will share the responsibilities, Judge’s numbers will ultimately decide if the team gets to the postseason. So far, Judge has stayed immune to injuries. He is hitting at the pace of recreating the MVP 2022 season. Hence, Judge has got his bases covered. All he needs now is half-good support from the rest of the eight hitters. Overall, as the Bombers push toward the postseason, the spotlight will remain on their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. And the captain, undoubtedly, will be a central figure in their quest for success. It’s also important to work on the area critiques highlighted for potential improvement.
Aaron Judge Stays Hot Amid Criticism
While critics are worried about Aaron Judge’s health, the New York Yankees captain is busy scoring home runs on the plate. In the recently concluded Subway series against the Mets, Judge slammed a grand slam to reduce the Mets’ lead to 9-7 before the Yanks lost the game due to defensive lapses. On the next day, Judge came roaring back again.
On Wednesday, when the entire Yankees lineup was getting hammered left, right and centre, Aaron Judge rose through the ashes to hit a two-run home run and put some runs on the board for his team. However, it proved to be not good enough as the Yanks lost 12-2 to drop the fourth series in a row. The Yanks will now head to Toronto for a road series against the Blue Jays.
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