Aaron Boone‘s recent appearance on the Talkin’ Yanks podcast shed light on the New York Yankees’ challenging situation as they find themselves in a tough spot after a difficult 5-8 stretch in July. With a 50-44 record, the Yankees are currently in last place in the highly competitive AL East.
During a recent game against the Los Angeles Angels, the team’s struggles were on full display. Despite initially taking the lead and relying on the pitching prowess of Luis Severino for six innings, the game slipped away from the Yankees. Shohei Ohtani’s impressive 35th home run tied the game in the seventh inning, and the Angels secured the win with Michael Stefanic’s RBI single in the bottom of the tenth. This loss was a bitter pill for the Bronx Bombers to swallow, especially with the AL Wild Card race being extremely tight, and only three games separating them from the Angels. The Yankees’ playoff hopes are undoubtedly dwindling.
In an attempt to offer reassurance to the fanbase, Aaron Boone claimed that the team controls its own destiny to make it to the playoffs. However, it is understandable that fans are skeptical, as they have heard similar promises throughout the last four months.
Since losing star player Aaron Judge to injury in early June, the Yankees’ performance has suffered significantly. Their collective batting average has plummeted to a disappointing .225 since June 20, and key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton are going through the worst slumps of their careers. Judge’s absence has been sorely felt in the lineup, as he is a game-changing presence with his formidable hitting abilities.
Boone’s words may sound encouraging, but the reality is that the Yankees are not performing like a playoff-caliber club at the moment. Trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by nine games in the AL East, it appears unlikely that they will clinch the division title for a second consecutive season.
Judge’s return
On a brighter note, there’s potential hope on the horizon for the Yankees. Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, is inching closer to returning to the team. Also, Boone mentioned on the Talkin’ Yanks podcast that Judge, who has been sidelined due to a torn ligament in his right big toe since early June, is “getting close” to making his comeback. While there’s no clear timetable for his return, the fact that Judge has started taking batting practice and engaging in light running indicates real progress. The slugger’s return would be a major boost to the team’s offense and change the dynamics of their lineup significantly.
With his impressive track record, including an MVP award, Rookie of the Year accolade, three Silver Slugger awards, and five All-Star selections, Judge’s presence is undeniably crucial to the Yankees’ chances of turning their season around and making a strong push for the postseason. The team and its fans eagerly await his return, hoping that it will mark the turning point for the Yankees’ 2023 campaign. Until then, they must rally together, address their hitting woes, and keep their playoff aspirations alive amidst the challenges that lie ahead.
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