By Derek McAdam
May 11, 2021
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The New York Yankees recently wrapped up a nine-game homestand against the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and Washington Nationals, playing three games against each opponent. New York went 7-2 during the homestand, sweeping the Tigers and taking two out of three from the Astros and Nationals.
What were some of the good and bad things that happened during this homestand? Well, there’s plenty to discuss, but here are some of the big talking points.
The starting rotation has given the Yankees much to work with, as Deivi Garcia was the last Yankee starter to not throw five innings or more on April 26, which was 13 games ago. Not only is the bullpen able to get some rest, but it only adds confidence to the entire rotation.
Another positive to take away from the homestand is that the Yankees were able to win the final two games in walk-off fashion. Gleyber Torres hit a dribbler down the third baseline with the bases loaded in the 11th inning on Saturday to tie the series at one win each against the Nationals. Giancarlo Stanton ended Sunday afternoon’s game with a walk-off single to score Tyler Wade from third in the bottom of the ninth.
Wins like these are just important because they count as a win, but it helps the Yankees know that they cannot be counted out if the game goes into extra innings. It is usually a sign of a hot team, which the Yankees are at this point in the season.
Although Stanton’s hot streak was extinguished by the Nationals, it was expected to end fairly soon. But the game-winner on Sunday will overshadow the previous two games in which he did not have a hit.
As with anything, there are always some things that did not go so great for the Yankees, particularly a few individual players.
Clint Frazier is now hitting sub-.150 and has looked off at the plate. Luckily for Frazier, no one could replace him in the outfield that is hitting better.
Aaron Judge had a rough week against the Astros and Nationals, going 2-for-21 with 13 strikeouts, including a platinum sombrero Wednesday night.
If either one of Frazier or Judge can start hitting, it will dramatically help the Yankees’ lineup. After all, tmany teams in baseball cannot get their batters to start hitting, so this is not just an issue for New York.
The Yankees are set to begin their 10-game road trip tonight in Tampa for three games with the Rays. One thing they want to avoid is another sweep in Tampa, as they were swept last month at Tropicana Field.
While the Yankees have struggled in St. Petersburg over the past few seasons, they do come into this series as one of the hottest teams in baseball. Taking two out of three from the Rays would be fantastic, but a series sweep would be the payback that the Yankees would love to inflict.
It should be a fun road trip for the Yankees, as they head to Baltimore for three and then to Arlington for their first experience in Texas’ new stadium.
