Of a soft schedule
KANSAS CITY — The Yankees were forced to rough it on Wednesday night.
After Wednesday’s games against the Nationals were postponed due to rain, the Bombers were supposed to fly out of Dulles Airport in Virginia on their team charter later that evening.
But they ended up sleeping there instead, unable to get out or obtain more suitable sleeping arrangements due to a combination the promotions of do-everything second baseman Gleyber Torres and sharp-hitting third baseman Miguel Andujar. And they could still use a starter of Justin Verlander’s ilk — if that’s possible — by the July 31 trade deadline.
But with that in mind, righty Chance Adams, 23, just had his best outing of the year at Triple-A Scranton, striking out 10 over seven shutout innings in which he allowed just one hit and walked two. Perhaps Adams or lefty Justus Sheffield, 22, can also provide a spark down the road.
Regardless, from a payroll standpoint, the Yankees — at around $169 million — certainly seem to have more room and prospects to maneuver than the Red Sox — at around $234 million — come the deadline. That could be the difference, as close as it will probably be.
The Bombers also could get Greg Bird (ankle) and Tommy Kahnle of hotel issues, mechanical issues and weather issues.
Most players opted to sleep in the airport lounge, while others slept in the plane with the AC turned on. The Yankees finally flew to Kansas City Thursday morning. Luckily, they had the day off. They will face the Royals Friday night at Kauffman Stadium, having played a total of six innings in the previous four days combined. — Mike Mazzeo (shoulder) back before the end of May. They’ve also got depth at first and third in Neil Walker, Tyler Austin and Brandon Drury.
“Look, we’re the New York Yankees,” Boone said in D.C. “And I know from the Steinbrenner family down to Brian Cashman, we’re never going to be bashful about making our team the best.”
The Sox have gotten incredible production out of newcomer J.D. Martinez, while Chris Sale and Mookie Betts have performed like the superstars they are. The two teams, who have already brawled at Fenway Park, still have 13 more games against one another.
It should be a fun summer, with the rivals going neck-and-neck, punch-for-punch — an extra win or loss perhaps being the difference between a guaranteed playoff series for a 100-plus win AL East team and an appearance in the door-die AL wild-card game.
ON DECK YANKS
(2-0, 2.23) vs. (4-3, 3.53)