The New York Yankees lineup has been one of the best in baseball this season, with that run production carrying the team to one of the best records in baseball. However, as injuries mount, the Yankees lineup is now facing scrutiny.
Days after New York activated DJ LeMahieu off the injured list, it lost first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a fractured arm. Just a few games later, Giancarlo Stanton suffered a hamstring strain that is expected to sideline him for a month. New York’s outfield depth has also taken a hit with prospects Everson Pereira and Jasson Dominguez sidelined by significant injuries.
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- New York Yankees lineup stats (ESPN): 399 runs scored (2nd in MLB), .250 batting average (9th), .331 OBP (4th), .430 slugging (3rd)
The injuries have taken a toll on the run production from the Yankees lineup. Entering MLB games today, New York ranked 11th in OPS (.74) and 18th in batting average (.239) this month. In the last seven games, New York ranks 22nd in runs scored (28). Now, New York’s remaining hitters and its roster are coming under fire.
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Speaking to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, an American League scout blamed the bottom of the Yankees lineup for the lack of production recently. While the top four is still quality, the scout said everything behind that is a problem and it will get even worse when the inevitable Aaron Judge injury happens.
“The problem is when you take out your five- and six-hole hitters, you end up replacing them with down-in-the-order guys. So your new five- and six-hole hitters are Torres and LeMahieu and they both [are struggling] now. Their lineup looks like the top four can get it done and that’s it. And wait ’til Judge goes down.”
American League scout on the New York Yankees lineup
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New York is hoping that one of its recent additions will make a positive impact. Ben Rice has 5 hits in his first 17 at-bats, but is only responsible for a .675 OPS over that span. New York also recently added J.D. Davis, but he only posted a .236/.304/.366 slash line before being DFAd by the Oakland Athletics.
Ultimately, the Yankees are just trying to get by right now through some major injuries and that has obviously deprived the team of some of its depth. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, however, New York will likely change that in a matter of weeks.
