If there’s one team you believe should have a shot at the playoffs it’s the New York Yankees. They have been making a strong case for themselves, winning eight out of the last 10 games. With the way that they have been playing who knows where they’re going to be at come October, anything is possible.
Why The Yankees Have a Shot for the Playoffs
Jasson Dominguez
Ever since his call-up to the big leagues, Domínguez has proved to be a difference-maker at the plate. His hard work has paid off, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ recent five-game winning streak. “I’ve said it before; I think if you work really hard, when you get good results, it’s not going to be surprising because of all of the work,” Domínguez said through an interpreter. He also became the youngest player since 1901 with three-plus home runs and seven-plus hits in his first five career games.
The team’s need for a new outfielder stemmed from the failure of veterans like Jake Bauers and Harrison Bader to contribute offensively. So calling up Dominguez was the right decision the Yankees have made all year long so far.
Before his major league debut, Dominguez slashed .419/.514/.581/.1.095 and drove in 10 runs in just nine games with Triple-A Scranton.
He had also earned Eastern League Player of The Week honors from Aug.14-20, just two days before his promotion to Triple-A in which he slashed .254/.367/.414/.781 while also managing to smash 15 home runs and 66 RBI.
Pitching Staff
The Yankees’ pitching rotation has been performing at an exceptionally high level recently. Over the past nine games, the team’s pitching staff has maintained an impressive average of just 2.2 runs allowed per game, resulting in an outstanding 8-1 record during that period. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the significant workload the bullpen has been carrying.
While the starting rotation, featuring stars like Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Severino has stepped up significantly, it’s important to recognize the unsung hero of this success: the bullpen. Their consistency and ability to provide crucial relief innings have been instrumental in maintaining leads and securing wins. If they want to continue this trend other pitchers part of the staff need to step up such as Carlos Rodon who has been inconsistent all year for the Yankees while also battling injuries.
Currently, the staff ranks 10th overall with an ERA of 3.97. While this might come as a surprise, especially considering the team’s inconsistent performance throughout the year. This upward trajectory in their performance is a testament to the coaching staff’s guidance and the players’ dedication to fine-tuning their skills. As we look ahead to the crucial final stretch of the season, the Yankees’ pitching staff is poised to be a driving force in their playoff push, and their recent success is a promising sign of what’s to come.
The Talented Roster
The Yankees no doubt have a talented roster to earn themselves a spot in the playoffs. At the heart of their offensive prowess are players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, towering figures in the lineup who possess the raw power to change the course of a game with a single swing of the bat. Their ability to hit towering home runs, drive in runs, and consistently reach base puts immense pressure on opposing pitchers.
But the Yankees’ roster is not just about star-studded outfielders. The infield is anchored by exceptional players such as Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu, both known for their defensive acumen and ability to come through in clutch moments with their bats. Their versatility and consistency make them invaluable assets in the heat of the playoff race.
