Before I get to the state of the Yankees, I need to send out healing thoughts to David Ortiz after he was shot in the abdominal area yesterday in the Dominican Republic. Apparently, he underwent a six-hour operation, but is now in stable condition. It’s always a shock when a member – especially such a high-profile member – of the baseball community suffers a sudden injury or illness, and I was certainly shocked to learn about Ortiz last night. He was our nemesis for so many years, but he’s said to be one of the good guys. I hope he’s back on the MLB Network team soon.
As for our boys, good for them for salvaging the series in Cleveland with a late win, but now we’re deadlocked in a tie for first place with the Rays and seemingly falling apart – despite the welcome return of Didi. With German now joining the Injured List and Keuchel signing with the Braves, the need for a starter (or two) couldn’t be more essential. Get on it, would you, Cashman? (Tanaka is only on paternity leave; he’ll be back. But let’s hope he’ll be back in better shape than when he left. He hasn’t been all that great.)
The relievers have been spotty too. Betances isn’t coming back any time soon, and the others are hit and miss. Which puts pressure on the offense to overcompensate for runs given up.
On the plus side, the Yankees have done a remarkable job despite losing so many players to injury. I never dreamed we’d be near first place with so many stars out and yet here we are. So grateful to LeMahieu, Urshela, Maybin, etc. for filling in so admirably.
Looking forward to taking on the Mets. I think.
Hey Jane. Yes even though Ortiz was our hated nemesis for years, I also would like to see him make a speedy full recovery. DR has become a dangerous country with all of the stuff that’s been happening there. As for the Yankees, we split that doubleheader against the Mets which I guess is alright because those usually involve having a significantly weaker team for one game. We sound like broken records but the starting pitching has to improve. We must get some reinforcements this deadline but perhaps just as important is that we need our own starters to give us length. 5 innings pitched or less being the average is going to wear out our bullpen. Cashman might even just have to go for one more RP. Ottavino had a rare off night yesterday but he’s been one of our most reliable relievers so I’m not worried about him. As for some good news, barring any setbacks, it sounds like Judge and Stanton will be coming back soon within the next couple weeks! I really hope so as we can use them to hopefully help the offense to bludgeon the opposing teams while we wait to get some help for the rotation.
With all the losses lately, it’s amazing we’re still hanging onto first place (by a thread), Leo. The Rays, too, have had their problems winning. I don’t think we can ever say enough about how much we need a good starting pitcher. Is Hal that cheap? Does he want to win or not? We need help in that department and we need it fast. Paxton must still be dealing with his knee injury because he’s not the same pitcher. And yes, so glad we’ll have the sluggers back soon.