By Derek McAdam
August 23, 2021
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After losing three out of four games to the Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 25, it started to feel as if the Yankees had nothing else left in the tank. The team dropped to 51-47 and 4th place in the AL East.
Then Brian Cashman acquired sluggers Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo, both of which are left-handed bats with good eyes at the plate. Andrew Heaney was also acquired, who has had much better starts since his first appearance with the Yankees.
Since July 27, the Yankees are an astounding 21-5 and are currently riding a nine-game winning streak. Was it the trades that shook up the team, key players returning from injuries or another factor? It’s a combination of several key components.
There is no question that the trades made this Yankee team better. Rizzo has not only provided stellar defense at first base but has given the Yankees good production at the plate. Gallo has not been great for the Yankees at the plate but has been able to get on base often by drawing walks.
The Yankees also got several players back from the IL to help them out. Surprisingly enough, Luke Voit has been one of the best hitters the Yankees have had during the winning streak and has forced his way into the lineup as a DH if Rizzo is playing first.
Gerrit Cole has also had two good starts for the Yankees since his return from the COVID-19 list and Jordan Montgomery is also set to make his 2nd start tonight after his return from testing positive for COVID-19.
Another factor in how the Yankees have played so well is the fact that so many players are on hot-hitting streaks. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have continued to hit the ball well in addition to several other Yankee batters in the lineup. If either of these two players are hitting well, good things will happen. If both are hitting well, it makes for a lethal lineup.
Lastly, the Yankees may not be on a nine-game winning streak without the assistance of Aaron Boone. He has turned this team from missing the playoffs by a decent margin to being the first Wild Card team if the playoffs started today.
The Yankees’ hot streak will come to an end at some point. For now, it is best to enjoy the past few weeks of baseball that fans got to witness. It has been a fun journey that fans are hoping continues into this week.
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