After last night’s cruel and frustrating one-run loss to the Padres, the Yankees are only one game in front of the Rays for first place. I know. Given all the injuries and the fact that Boone is playing musical chairs with the lineup and the starting rotation, first place is a major accomplishment.
But I hate losing one-run games, especially since the Yanks mounted a late comeback only to fall short.
Also, it’s the Padres. I mean come on. We really need to beat them in today’s finale.
Because Boston comes in for the weekend. No, they’re not the big, bad Boston of old, but they’re 6 games back and 6 games can disappear in a hurry. They’re hungry to topple the order of things – and to right their miserable start to the season. Besides which, the Rays just don’t lose very often.
Paxton is making his return from the I.L today, but he’s said to have lingering problems with his knee and that he’ll have to “play through the discomfort” for the rest of the season. Does that sound promising to you? Me neither.
CC is said to be returning in time to pitch Sunday’s game, but he, too, has knee issues.
Management seems thrilled with the tag team approach to pitching, with Chad Green as our opener and God only knows who to follow him. That method works for the Rays, but I’d much prefer a steady diet of starters – i.e. a real rotation.
But it’s only May, I keep reminding myself. Almost June. Plenty of time for our players to get healthy. Plenty of time for Judge. I’m waiting for Judge. I miss Judge.