About Yesterday: The Yankees Spell-Checked the A’s 12-2.

About Yesterday: The Yankees Spell-Checked the A’s 12-2

By Tim Kabel

May 12, 2025

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The Yankees steamrolled the A's yesterday afternoon, knocking former teammate Luis Severino out after 4 innings. They scored eight of their runs off Severino in what was a disastrous outing for him. The only starter who was hitless was Jorbit Vivas. This was the second lopsided victory in the three-game series against the Sacra-tomato A's. What a nice way to end the weekend and celebrate Mother's Day.

I would like to take a moment to wish a happy belated Mother's Day to all the mothers out there, especially my wife, Stacey.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge my older son, Jack, who received his master's degree in communication from Quinnipiac University on Saturday. Words cannot describe how proud I am of this young man.

Quick Stats – 

·       Aaron Judge had four hits to push his batting average to .409, which is the fourth highest ever for a player with at least fourteen home runs in the first 40 games of a season. In other words, it's pretty amazing. Speaking of amazing, many years ago I worked for Bob’s Discount Furniture. Next to our store was a store called The Amazing Store. The proprietor of this store, which essentially sold junk and rubbish, was known as “Mr. Amazing”. One day, two older women came in and walked over to me. They asked me if I was Mr. Amazing. Without blinking I responded, “No, I am his unfortunate younger brother, Mr. Mediocre.”

·       The A's are now 8-13 at home this year. It's a good thing they are moving. 

·       Paul Goldschmidt had three doubles and has now hit safely in all 19 road games he has played this season. The only other Yankees to do that are Derek Jeter with 23 straight games to open the 2007 season and Jack Lelivelt with 21 in 1912. My friend Roger was at the game when Lelivelt’s streak ended. Roger had just graduated from high school and went to see the game that day.

·       Ben Rice hit his first career Grand Slam in the fifth inning. He was also hit by pitches twice. I bet the Grand Slam lessened the sting of those pitches. 

·       The eight runs that Luis Severino surrendered in four plus innings matched a career worst. This was his first start against the Yankees in his career. He probably hopes it was his last. 

·       We all know that June 6th is D-Day, code name Overlord. Apparently May 12th, ot one dqay very soon, will henceforth be known as DJ-Day, code name Over-The-Hill Lord.

·      On May 11th, 1962, Marvelous Marv Throneberry became the first man to play for both the Mets and the Yankees in his career. 

Big Story – 

The Yankees have reached the quarter pole of the season. Through 40 games, they are 23-17. That works out to approximately 93 wins for the year. That's very good but not spectacular. It probably would ensure a playoff spot, but it might not win the division and it most likely would not be the best record in the American League. However, considering the injuries the Yankees have suffered, it is certainly nothing to complain about. Could it be better? Absolutely. Could it be worse? Absolutely. Now, we will just hope they improve from this point forward.

Player of the Game – 

Aaron Judge was 4-5 and drove in two runs. 

Notable Performances – 

Paul Goldschmidt was 3-5. All three hits were doubles.

Jason Dominguez was 2-5. He scored from first on Oswaldo Cabrera’s third inning double. Watching him fly around the bases was a sight to behold. Aaron Boone should let him run more because I think he could steal a lot of bases. He has throughout his career.

Better To Forget

There really wasn't anything to complain about. I'm sure that won't last.

My Take – 

I have a few thoughts on this weekend's series and the Yankees in general as they hit the quarter mark of the season.

·       Ryan Yarborough has been fine filling out the rotation. He does not provide much length, but he is solid and gets the job done. Unfortunately, when he pitches, the Yankees need a lot of innings from the bullpen. I do not think he is the long-term solution, but for right now, he is perfectly fine. I think once the Yankees find someone else for the rotation, whether it is Luis Gil or another pitcher, Yarborough will still have a role in long relief. Signing him was a solid move by Brian Cashman.

·       I read an article yesterday that said Aaron Boone responded, “not necessarily” when asked if DJ LeMahieu would immediately become an everyday player for the Yankees when he returns to the roster. That would be like asking Phil Rizzuto if he was going to eat a cannolo in the broadcast booth and having him say “probably not.” 

·       Jasson Dominguez had quite a weekend. He was on base seven times over the three-game series and demonstrated all the facets of his game that excite many people inside the Yankees’ organization and the fan base. On Friday night, he became the youngest player in New York Yankees’ history to hit three home runs in one game. He also hit one of his home runs from the right side. He demonstrated an ability to get on base in addition to hitting home runs by taking walks and getting singles. His base running on Sunday when he scored from first on Oswaldo Cabrera’s double was very impressive. He can fly. In addition, he made some good plays in the outfield. When asked about Dominguez’s performance after Friday's game, Aaron Boone stated the following, “He just needs to play more.” You have to give Boone credit for that. The fact that he could make that statement with a straight face shows a lot of chutzpah.  It was as if Boone was not the one limiting Dominguez’s playing time. It was as if someone else was the manager and Boone was once again a broadcaster. Unfortunately, that is not the case. At least Dominguez did play all three games this weekend. He looks more and more comfortable with each passing game. Hopefully, Boone will continue to give him consistent playing time. I wouldn't hold my breath, but I can hope.

·        Ben Rice now has 9 home runs and 20 RBI. He frequently is the leadoff hitter. He is batting .260 for the season. Yet, the spectre of Giancarlo Stanton looms in the distance. We all know that if Stanton declares himself ready to play, Boone will play him immediately. He might only play a handful of minor league rehab games. Everyone is trying to come up with a way to keep Rice in the lineup. Clearly, trading Goldschmidt is not the answer. Some people have speculated about putting Rice in the outfield but, there are already too many outfielders. Rice was originally a catcher and developed into a first baseman. He is athletic. He is quick as well as fast. What would be the harm in having him take grounders at third base. They could start working on this now. If he is terrible, then the Yankees can scrap the idea. But there have been players such as Josh Donaldson, Todd Zeile, BJ Surhoff, Dave Roberts, and others who converted from catcher to third base. Rice has proven to be an adequate first baseman. He is young and I'm sure he would be willing to try. After all, we are not talking about Rafael Devers here. If Rice could make that move, it would solve a lot of problems. Rice could stay in the line up every day. He could play third base most of the time but could also DH or play first base on occasion. Oswaldo Cabrera could revert to the super utility position and DJ LeMahieu could find a spot in the shade to sit and ponder life. If Stanton returns but struggles, the Yankees could always return Rice to DH or, if he is doing well, they could keep him at third base and recall Everson Pereira, who is hitting well in Scranton. I for one, am nervous about pulling Rice or Goldschmidt to make room for Stanton. This way, they could all be in the lineup and if Stanton is a mere shadow of his former self, it won't negatively impact on either Rice or Goldsmith by limiting their at bats. It's just a thought and I don't see why the Yankees can't try it in pregame workouts. I would rather see the Yankees explore it as a possibility and then eliminate it if they had to than never even give it a chance.

·       Remember where you are at every moment during the upcoming Yankees’ games in Seattle. Because someday when your grandchildren ask you where you were when DJ LeMahieu returned to the lineup in 2025 you can tell them.

Next Up-

The Yankees will open a three-game series against the Mariners tonight at 9:40 PM at T-Mobile Park. Emerson Hancock, (1-1, 5.70 ERA) will pitch for Seattle. The Yankees will send Clarke Schmidt, (0-1, 4.79 ERA) to the mound.