Stolen bases have long been an exciting aspect of baseball, showcasing the speed and athleticism of players on the base paths. It also tests players’ game awareness and alertness. Not only that, but it also helps in breaking the concentration of the pitcher on the mound. Hence, the batters, for years, have taken most advantage of it. The Yankees, in particular, are well known for their aggressive baserunning.
However, this year, the stolen bases succession rate is at a record high. It’s mainly because of the newly introduced base sizes and pitcher disengagement rules. Hence, most of the teams are making good use of it, making attempts to steal a base a little more than usual. However, the New York Yankees, surprisingly, have been on a downward trend as their success rate has fallen rapidly.
Yankees Struggling To Steal Bases This Season
The new set of rules implemented this season has promoted the batters to steal more bases than usual. While most teams have made the most of it, the New York Yankees are lagging behind. After initially stealing 31 bases in April, the numbers have plunged down to 25 in May, with an overall success rate of 74 percent. That’s not too good, but not bad either. Regardless, the below-average success rate has adversely affected the team’s overall performance. But where did it actually go all wrong for the Bombers?
If you look at the pattern, the Yankees have reduced their stolen base attempts significantly, majorly due to injury concerns. The team’s top base stealers, Gleyber Torres, and Aaron Judge, remain highly injury prone this year. Even Judge suffered a hip injury while trying to steal a base in April. Hence, the team is exercising high caution. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ most successful base stealer, Anthony Volpe, is also struggling. He wreaked havoc initially by going 13-for-13 and also creating a unique record in the process. However, his recent offensive struggles have taken a toll on his base running abilities as well. Hence, all things combined, the Bronx Bombers must address this issue soon as they advance further into the season.
Aaron Judge On IL For The Second Time This Year
The New York Yankees’ $360 million possession has become extremely fragile this season. The captain, Aaron Judge, has already been on IL once in the month of May due to a hip injury sustained while stealing a base. Despite this, his form has stayed consistent. However, this time, the slugger is gone for an extended period of time. Last week, Judge crashed into a fence while securing a defensive play.
The captain sustained an injury on his right foot toe and missed the following games to undergo scans. Further, the Yankees even gave him an injection to pace up the healing process. Yet, they do not have a return timeline in place. For now, Aaron Judge will remain on IL for 10 days which could be extended further if the injury aggravates. Hence, all eyes are on the next few days as it will determine the future course of action.