The New York Yankees have lost four out of their past five games and are just a half-game ahead of the Baltimore Orioles for the American League East lead in the standings. Six teams had at least 74 victories, and all qualify for the playoffs, including the Yankees. But with less than a month left in the season, it’s not too late for the standings to tip around and propel New York into a Wild Card place. When asked why the Yankees aren’t playing their best baseball this past week, Yankees star Juan Soto put some thought into the subject before answering to the media.
“I think it’s just part of baseball. Things are going to go up and down all the way. It’s not as easy as it looks out there. We’re absolutely trying.”
"I think it's just part of baseball"
Juan Soto was asked why he thinks the Yankees haven't been playing well recently: pic.twitter.com/1LTVvak3Ta
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 1, 2024
The Yankees have been the finest club in baseball. They sport a 45-32 record versus opponents with a record better than .500. They aren’t perfect, and it shows when they are held up to the appropriate light. It doesn’t help them that they are 22-23 versus the AL East and 17-22 in games against lefty starters.
What’s ailing the Yankees in losses and how it’s influencing the AL Wild Card rankings
New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) tosses his helmet after flying out to finish the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium.
A recurring occurrence for the Yankees during their most recent losses is that their opponents score in bunches once they get through the batting order one time. During that second at-bat, the Yankees’ starters fall flat. The Cardinals scored four runs in the third inning on Saturday and four in the fourth on Sunday.
The fans and media have their gripes, too. They’ve been asking for OF prospect Jasson Dominguez to get called up and see if or how he can help in the postseason. Instead, their PR staff put out this tweet.
“Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Returned INF Anthony Rizzo (#48) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day injured list,” reported the Yankees PR department on X, formerly Twitter. “Recalled RHP Ron Marinaccio (#97), RHP Scott Effross (#59) and OF Duke Ellis (#70) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Designated LHP Josh Maciejewski for assignment.”
One of the top commentators, with over 10,000 likes, stated, “Ah yes, the Outfielder we have all been waiting for them to add… Duke Ellis. Unserious franchise.”
Manager Aaron Boone appears unmoved, via MLB reporter Bryan Hoch’s questioning about their slowing.
“It’s not been easy, but we’re in a great position,” Boone said via MLB writer Bryan Hoch. “We’re sitting atop the division, best record or right around there in the league. It’s definitely been a slog for us, but like I’ve said, it’s right there for the taking.”
With 25 games left on the schedule, there’s enough time to turn it around in the Bronx. They’ve scored the second-most runs and have the second-best run differential in baseball (+121).
