Yankees making their move after early struggles
Expectations were so high for the New York Yankees — and their roster is so strong on paper — that seemingly every emotional win is viewed as a potential turning point in their frustrating season.
They won five games in a row this past week, although once again, it wasn’t all good news.
The Yankees have made some progress in the postseason race. They’re still 6 ½ games out of first place in the AL East, but they had won 10 of 13 going into Monday night’s game at Kansas City, while the Boston Red Sox have dropped 10 of 13. That left New York just 2 ½ games behind the Red Sox and Athletics for the American League’s two wild cards.
The Yankees could also have Gio Urshela back soon, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be at full strength. Shortstop Gleyber Torres was set to get an MRI after injuring a thumb on a stolen base in Sunday’s loss to Seattle. And COVID-19 continues to be a thorn in the Yankees’ side. Anthony Rizzo tested positive after Saturday’s game, and Gerrit Cole, Jordan Montgomery and Gary Sánchez have all been sidelined recently.
Rizzo has played a big role in the Yankees’ hot stretch. Since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs on July 29, the first baseman is hitting .281 with three homers and six RBIS in nine games for New York.
“I just spoke with him. He’s doing all right,” Boone said before Sunday’s series finale against Seattle. “He’s got symptoms, but he’s doing OK. Obviously a little bummed out but hopefully a chance to get rested up and well and be back hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Cole tested positive Aug. 2, Montgomery tested positive Aug. 3 and Sánchez was placed on the COVID-19 list on Thursday. Boone said Cole, Montgomery and Sánchez are feeling better.
At least 85% of New York’s players are vaccinated, resulting in a loosening of restrictions, but the Yankees still have been hit hard, and Boone said the team will hold conversations about being cautious on its six-game road trip that began Monday.
Rizzo, a cancer survivor, said in June he was not vaccinated, and Boone did not want to speculate on any player’s vaccination status.
“A large percentage of us obviously are, but I’m not going to get into that anymore,” Boone said.