The Yankees are no longer, I think, the “Baby Bombers.” They are pretty much growing up fast, with the possible exception of Miguel Andujar and Gleybar Torres, both of whom had a great night last night. It’s getting to me something of a common occurrence to see these two come through in the clutch and win games from the bottom of the order.
But I am truly concerned about the pitching overall. Tanaka did not look dominant again last night. He gave up too many home runs (at least they were solo shots), and seems to be afraid to throw his fastball at all. I don’t know how much longer he can rely on his breaking pitches if he can’t set it up with his fastball. Jonathan Holder had been pitching well, but like many of the relievers, he comes in and then lets in runs. It seems that with almost every game one of the relief pitchers has a potentially explosive inning. Last night turned out OK, as the Yankee offense again provided more runs, but when starters can’t go six innings, and at least one reliever comes in and lets in runs, trouble is brewing ahead. With Boston also playing terrific ball (perhaps they will slump with Mookie Betts on the DL now), the pitching situation needs some shoring up if the Yanks expect to win the division as opposed to being one of the wild cards. -twl