The Yankees entered the Subway Series in tough circumstances for the first time this season.
The Yankees had lost just three of their first 22 series this season but have now lost three straight series heading into Tuesday’s showdown with the Mets at Citi Field.
But the chance to play two games under slightly better conditions gives them a chance to get back on track.
“Looking back at last year, it was one of the most fun series of the year, especially when we were there,” Anthony Volpe said Sunday. “We’re ready and excited, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Volpe went 5-for-13 with four doubles and three RBIs in four games against the Mets last season. The teams split the two-game series, but his two doubles were key to a come-from-behind win in the first meeting in Queens.
The Yankees have played some series in recent weeks that have felt a bit big, including against the Dodgers and Orioles, and will be hoping for a better result when they face the Mets.
“This is New York City. The biggest, greatest city in the world,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Two great franchises. … Over 162 games, it adds a little different kind of excitement and thrill and breaks up the normal monotony of the season. I think it’s exciting for the players on both teams, obviously the fan base and of course the city. And by having it in the summer, the Mets are obviously starting to play some good baseball here, so I think it’s something we’re always looking forward to.”
Tommy Kahnle threw 17 pitches, all changeups, in one scoreless inning against the Braves on Sunday. He struck out three and allowed one single.
Kahnle, whose fastball velocity has been below normal since returning from a shoulder injury, said he had no issues with the pitch during warmups on Sunday. He just liked the feel of his changeup.
“Just an act [was good Sunday]”That’s the first time I’ve seen it,” Kahnle said. [the Braves] That’s what we’ve been doing since last year. We felt that way, so we stuck with it and it worked.”
Kahnle only threw a changeup three times last season (and once in 2022), but he never threw more than 10 pitches on either occasion.
The Yankees have moved JT Brubaker on a rehab assignment from Single-A Tampa to the FCL Yankees, making him available as a starter on Monday.
It was the right-hander’s second rehab appearance in 2023 as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.
The Yankees acquired Brubaker from the Pirates in March and have a minor league option that could allow him to serve as a Triple-A starter once he’s healthy.
In the second update of All-Star voting released Monday, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto remained the top two vote-getters in major league baseball.
The first phase of fan voting will close at noon Thursday, with finalists for each position expected to be announced that evening.
