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Losing has been uncharted waters this season for the Yanks, and for the first time since April 15th-17th, they lost a series.
And we as Yankee fans, should be okay with that.
One thing that is the most frustrating with this fanbase is that every loss is earth shattering.
BleacherCreatures at least had a mature conversation, which is refreshing in this world.
After taking three of four against the O's (which I wish that their series were more spread throughout the season), they dropped both games in the double header against the Sox (after winning on Saturday).
It was a controversial week of baseball for the 29-12 Bombers. Starting off with the Orioles, who's ballpark received the blunt of criticism.
Camden Yards has a history of being a home run-happy ballpark, but a new left field have made opposing players, and their own, quite upset.
"Nobody likes it," Mancini said. "No hitters like it, myself included." - Trey Mancini via Baltimore Sun
The comments of "build-a-ballpark" came from Boone and Judge, when Aaron hit a ball that went 399 feet. That ball would've been out in all 29 of the other ballparks around Major League Baseball. He still hit 2 that series.
Then the White Sox game. One win, two losses, but a ton of press. Josh Donaldson and Tim Anderson beef continued over the series, with benches clearing, arguments, and remarks from both sides. I really don't want to get into this for various reasons, so I'll let you the reader do your own research. Donaldson received a one game suspension and a fine.
In other news, DJ LeMahieu, who celebrated 10 years of MLB service time, smacked his first career Grand Slam. It's the first by a Yankee leadoff hitter since Brett Gardner on Apr. 17, 2019 vs Red Sox.
Chapman Issue
Five straight appearances with a run allowed. That CANNOT happen as a closer. Aroldis Chapman is a dominant reliever, an All-Star and World Series Champ, but he is currently on a thin ice with Yankees fans. Sometimes he's pumping out a 100 and is unhittable, other days it's a walk in the park against him.
Chapman said he's been receiving treatment on the Achilles for a couple of weeks, but that can't be an excuse that comes out now. He does have nine saves, but also carries a 3.86 ERA.
In my eyes, it's Clay Holmes who should be the closer for the rest of the season, or at least until Chapman is healthy and ready. I've complimented Boone's bullpen management this season, but he should consider dropping him down the pecking order to get him back in the grove.
Bullpen Trust Tree
Clay Holmes
Mike King
Wandy Peralta
Miguel Castro
Clarke Schmidt
Jonathon Loáisiga
Lucas Leutge
Ron Marinaccio
Aroldis Chapman
Injury Report
First Rounds of bumps and bruises plus IL Update
As mentioned above, Chapman felt a pain in his Achilles. He had an MRI on it last night which came back negative. Yanks are saying tendinitis with no IL assignment yet, but Boone said it's very much a possibility.
OF Tim Locastro, who is dealing with a Lat injury, has begun swinging a bat
Pitcher Zack Britton is throwing from 120 feet, will move to bullpen mound soon. He is currently on the 60 Day IL recovering from elbow surgery.
Catcher Ben Rortvedt, who was recovering from an oblique injury, suffered a knee injury in his rehab, and has now been placed on the 60 Day IL.
A COVID Bug in the clubhouse?
Outfielder Joey Gallo and Catcher Kyle Higashioka both were "feeling under the weather", it turns out they both were placed on the COVID IL List. Josh Donaldson hasn't tested positive but had symptoms, he's now on the same protocols. Ugh...
Tommy John is upon us :(
Both Luis Gil and Chad Green are out for the year with TJ Surgery in the coming days. Gil, who is a young pitching prospect, has shown promise, but will now be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Chad Green, who is on a contract year, might have had his last game in pinstripes unfortunately. I wonder what Cashman will do now to re-up the bullpen depth.
What's Up Next?
It's an AL East type of week. Yet another series against the O's, who just won two-of-three against the Rays. After that, the Yankees will take on Tampa Bay for the first time, hoping to keep the leverage at the top of the division.