Yankees Visit Rangers as They Begin Stretch Run
As the last month of the time starts, the New York Yankees end up in a shaky position. Regardless of a new pallet, where they have lost four of their beyond five games, the Yankees stay simply a half-game in front of the Baltimore Orioles for the best position in the American League East.
The Yankees (79-58) will hope to switch their fortunes as they start off a significant six-game excursion on Monday, beginning with a three-game series against the Texas Rangers (65-72) in Arlington, Texas.
“As bad as people think we are playing … we are still in first place,” said pitcher Nestor Cortes, who started Sunday’s 14-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. “It’s there for us to take. We just have to come out every day prepared and be ready to win every single day.”
Recent Struggles and Pitching Woes
The Yankees’ pitching has been a concern, especially in Sunday’s defeat where Cortes lasted just four innings, allowing five runs on nine hits. The bullpen struggled as well, giving up the remaining nine runs, including a disastrous seventh inning where they surrendered five runs after entering the frame tied 7-7.
To consistent the boat, the Yankees will go to their pro, Gerrit Cole (5-3, 3.86 ERA), to open the series against Texas. Cole, a veteran right-hander, has a strong history against the Rangers, with a 6-4 record and a 3.74 ERA in 16 vocation begins. He’s likewise been reliable of late, tossing somewhere around five innings in every one of his beyond eight trips. In August, Cole permitted only three sudden spikes in demand for 17 hits across four beginnings before a marginally harsher trip in his latest appearance, a 4-2 misfortune to the Washington Nationals last Tuesday.
With the Yankees having lost three of their past four series against teams not in playoff contention, this series against the struggling Rangers is critical.
“We know how important these games are,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “… We have to play our best, and we have to put our best foot forward to win these games. And we hope we start that (Monday) night.”
Rizzo’s Return and Offensive Outlook
On a brighter note, the Yankees welcomed back first baseman Anthony Rizzo on Sunday. Rizzo, who had been sidelined since June 18 with a forearm fracture, made an immediate impact by going 2-for-4 with an RBI double and scoring twice. His return adds a much-needed boost to a lineup that has been inconsistent over the past few weeks.
Rangers Riding Momentum
The Rangers, on the other hand, are coming off a thrilling 6-4 walk-off win against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Josh Jung’s three-run homer in the 10th inning secured their fifth win in their past six games, marking their second consecutive walk-off victory and their eighth of the season.
“I think winning and having fun are kind of intertwined a little bit,” Jung said. “So yeah, we’re having a good time. That was a really fun moment for me today. I was jumping up and down. I think when you start winning more games, fun comes with it.”
Corey Seager has been a critical supporter of the Rangers’ new achievement, particularly in August where he hit 11 grand slams, tying for second most in the majors, only one behind Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.
“It’s just impressive,” said pitcher Nathan Eovaldi of Seager last week. “We’re so grateful just to be able to watch him play every day and everything that he does on a day-in, day-out basis.”
Pitching Matchup
While the Yankees have affirmed Cole as their starter, the Rangers presently can’t seem to authoritatively report their starter for Monday’s down. Notwithstanding, it is normal that left-hander Andrew Heaney (4-13, 3.95 ERA) will take the hill. Heaney has battled against the Yankees previously, with a 1-4 record and a 5.35 ERA in seven vocation begins against New York.
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Conclusion
As the Yankees start this urgent stretch run, they will be hoping to recapture their structure and keep up with their situation on the AL East. The Rangers, floated by late achievement, will be hoping to play spoiler and proceed with major areas of strength for them at home. This series could be urgent for the two groups as they try to complete the season on a high note.