Yankees’ Pitching Performance Improves Significantly
Since Gerrit Cole’s return to the rotation, the Yankees have allowed more innings per starter than any other team.
In the eight games since Cole came back from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees boast an impressive 1.61 ERA against starting pitchers, which is the best in Major League Baseball.
This success comes even without Max Fried, who is currently on the injured list due to a bone bruise in his left elbow, making the team’s achievement even more notable.
The rise of Cam Schrittler, who pitched against Cleveland recently, plays a significant role in this success. Regardless of the pitcher, the Yankees consistently manage to pitch six innings or more.
“I think our starting pitchers have performed very well for the most part,” Aaron Boone commented from West Sacramento, California. “They’ve been delivering solid performances consistently.”
With Carlos Rodon also returning to form and Fried potentially back soon, there’s a chance for even greater stability in the rotation.
“I’m pleased with how all our pitchers are throwing and the contributions they’re making,” Coach Boone stated. “We have players who can keep the opposing team in check and give us a chance to win.”
Schlitzer and Will Warren, who pitched on Sunday against the Athletics, have contributed significantly to the team’s success. The Yankees have a record of 9-3 in games that Schrittler has pitched and 10-2 when Warren has taken the mound.
Although the Yankees are just 6-8 when Fried and Rodon pitch, there’s a sense that better days are ahead.
Ryan McMahon managed to find some success towards the end of a recent road trip, hitting home runs in consecutive games against the Royals and Athletics, along with adding two more hits in California on Saturday. He’ll likely be relieved to be back in the Bronx.
Despite his recent improvement, McMahon’s road OPS remains one of the lowest among eligible players at .472. Likewise, Austin Wells and Trent Grisham are also among the bottom twelve hitters in the majors.
Interestingly, all three are left-handed hitters, which is part of the reason they were brought into the Yankees’ roster.
On the other hand, Rice, the Yankees’ standout left-handed hitter, has been performing excellently away from home, posting a 1.055 OPS. Similarly, Cody Bellinger, another key addition aimed at capitalizing on Yankee Stadium’s right-field advantage, has entered Tuesday with a league-best OPS of 1.209 at home.
Another player benefiting from Anthony Volpe remaining the Yankees’ regular shortstop is George Lombard Jr. According to MLB Pipeline, he has started every game at shortstop for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since Volpe returned.
Lombard, who turns 21 on Tuesday, previously played second and third base with Volpe on the roster. Despite a slow start at his new level, managing zero hits in his first 23 games since being promoted from Double-A Somerset, he has shown promise by hitting two home runs in his last five games.
