According to the latest projections, the New York Yankees no longer remain the favorite candidate to win the American League East Division this season.
New York Yankees have had a steady start to the 2023 season. After a heartbreak in the ALCS last season, the team looked determined to turn the World Series dream into reality after 13 long years. They apparently did well in the off-season and strengthened the roster on both fronts. However, a few injury concerns down the line has hindered the ultimate dream.
The Bronx Bombers suffered massive injury blows ahead of the start of the 2023 season, which destabilized their starting lineup. While the Yankees have held the fort for the time being, it would eventually succumb under pressure. With that being said, the team has now faced another setback in the revised 2023 projections and looks poised to lose their east division throne.
Yankees No Longer The Favorites To Win East Division
The New York Yankees are no longer the favorites to win the AL-East division this season. The Yankees were the preseason favorites to win the division, with many experts predicting that they would make a deep playoff run this year. However, the team has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in the early part of the season and currently sits in third place in the division with a record of 8-5. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays, who are off to a flying start with a record of 12-0, are now the projected winners of the American League East Division this season.
According to the Sports Illustrated newsletter, during the preseason, the projections placed Rays into the third spot, behind the Yankees and the Jays, with a winning percentage of 19.6. However, after the recent flying start, the Rays are back on top with a 53.5% winning chance. The Yankees must start playing better if they hope to catch up with their division rivals. The team remains struck by injuries, with key players like Carlos Rodon, Harrison Bader, and Luis Severino all missing time. Additionally, the team’s pitching staff has struggled to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard. Regardless, it is still early in the season, and the Yankees have plenty of time to turn things around.
Twins Brutally Crush The Bombers In Series Opener
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have slipped to third position in the East rankings after suffering a humiliating loss against the Minnesota Twins. The teams locked horns for the first game of the series, and the Twins sealed the game pretty much in the first inning itself. The Bombers’ promising talent, Jhony Brito, had a nightmarish outing. In 0.2 inning pitched, he gave away seven runs and had to be pulled out.
Further, Colten Brewer came in for some damage control but ended up giving four additional runs in the following three innings. That marked the end of the game for the Yankees, who could not cope with the early setback. The Bombers lost by 2-11 and went down 0-1 in the series.
