It's Time to Become Concerned About the New York Yankees
No, it isn't too early to be concerned about this alarming New York Yankees trend.
The New York Yankees fell to the Athletics by a score of 1-0 on Thursday afternoon, managing just one hit in the loss. Their scoreless streak has now reached 17 innings, and while the Yankees are 8-4, there is every reason to be concerned. Why?
Because many of the same issues that plagued New York last season — which ended in an embarrassing four-game loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS — are present this year, as well. The bullpen has been a prominent concern, with David Bednar consistently walking a tightrope in the ninth inning and Camilo Doval owning an 8. 31 ERA.
But that isn't even the most significant problem affecting the Yankees right now. It's their lineup. More specifically, the bottom of their order.
While Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice are both off to terrific starts and Aaron Judge will almost certainly find his groove at some point, it's time to start acknowledging that the latter half of New York's lineup is troublesome. That goes beyond Ryan McMahon, who is batting just . 069 over 36 plate appearances.