A shift in location didn’t magically fix the New York Yankees’ struggles.
However, reinforcements are arriving. Manager Aaron Boone announced Monday after a defeat, 8-5, to the Texas Rangers that Aaron Judge is slated to rejoin the lineup Tuesday. He has been sidelined for 10 games due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. It is anticipated that Judge will serve as designated hitter until he receives clearance to resume playing in the outfield.
Prior to Boone’s statement, the Yankees suffered a painful loss in extra innings.
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Yankees Squander Lead, Fall on Walk-Off
The Yankees initiated the scoring with an opening home run by Paul Goldschmidt, then extended their lead to 3-0 by the conclusion of the second inning. Nevertheless, the Rangers responded strongly in the second, seizing a 4-3 lead.
Subsequently, the Yankees reclaimed the lead, holding a 5-4 advantage as they entered the bottom of the ninth. At that juncture, pinch hitter Joc Pederson propelled the game into extra innings.
With no runners on base and one out, Pederson connected with a 2-1 Devin Williams changeup over the plate, sending the ball into the right-field stands, thereby leveling the score at 5-5.
This blown save marked the third of the season for Williams, a two-time All-Star and reliable closer during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. Following Pederson’s home run, Williams’ ERA in his inaugural season with New York rose to 5.10.
Josh Jung’s walk-off home run presented more despair for the Yankees.
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
This outcome paved the way for Josh Jung’s decisive heroics in the 10th inning.
With a runner on second base and two outs, the Yankees made the strategic decision to intentionally walk Wyatt Langford, thereby positioning Jung in the six-hole. Reliever Jake Bird delivered a 1-1 sinker that was thigh-high and slightly inside, which Jung capitalized on. The result was an undeniable home run into the left-field stands, bringing the game to a conclusion.
Yankees in Decline, Confront Pivotal Games vs. Rangers
The defeat marked the Yankees’ fourth consecutive loss, following an unprecedented three-game sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins. Their record now stands at 7-10 since the All-Star break.
As a consequence of the loss, the once top-ranked Yankees have fallen to 60-53, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by 5.5 games in the AL East and trailing their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, by 2.5 games, as the latter secured their sixth consecutive victory on Monday night. This also leaves them with a narrow 1.5-game advantage over the Rangers, while being tied with the Seattle Mariners for the final wild-card position in the American League.
This three-game series against the Rangers has the potential to significantly impact the postseason standings, and it has already taken a negative turn for New York.
Can Judge Contribute to a Yankees’ Turnaround?
Judge has been absent from play since July 25 due to the elbow injury that led to his placement on the injured list. He participated in batting practice over the weekend and is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday, marking his first day of eligibility.
As the Yankees contend with a multitude of challenges, Judge’s return cannot come soon enough.
