The Yankees finally won a series this past weekend, for the first time since the end of June. They retook 4th place from the Red Sox by sweeping the Royals, but they need to keep winning if they hope to make a playoff bid.
A big part of their troubles can be attributed to Anthony Rizzo’s own struggles at the plate. Hopefully the worst slump of his career has been broken after his 4 for 4 performance, including a homer, on Sunday. Rizzo had previously been 8 for 61 (.131) in the month of July before this Sunday.
But there are more obstacles ahead. Gleyber Torres has been sidelined with an injury and the team can only pray for a quick return. Newly acquired Carlos Rodon made a bad impression on the fans, responding to boos by blowing a sarcastic kiss after an abomination of an outing.
The team recently hired Yankee-great Andy Pettitte as a pitching coach, as part of a wider plan to create a new type of energy in the clubhouse and on the field. The Yankees took on the Mets Tuesday and Wednesday night in the Bronx. A subway series victory could be the surge that the team needs to catch up to the 3rd place Blue Jays.
