The Yankees are facing some challenges halfway through the season, despite being in a better position than they were last year. The team has lost five of their past six series and is dealing with key injuries and underperformance from the lineup. The return of Gerrit Cole from an elbow injury has raised concerns as he has not been performing at his usual level. General manager Brian Cashman is facing roster problems that are beginning to stack up, despite the team’s strong start to the season.
One of the glaring questions for the Yankees is why they rushed Cole back from his injury, especially considering the success of the rotation without him. Cole has not looked like himself in his recent outings, leading to questions about his recovery and effectiveness moving forward. With other roster holes that Cashman needs to address, starting pitching might become a priority for the team. The performance of Cole will be closely watched for the rest of the season.
The Yankees are also facing infield problems, with the need for upgrades at three out of four infield positions. With Anthony Rizzo out until at least mid-August, the team is relying on players like Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu to step up. The trade market has not fully taken shape yet, but there is speculation about potential moves the Yankees could make to address their infield issues, including potentially targeting players like Pete Alonso from the Mets.
The Yankees’ offense is also facing challenges due to key injuries and underperformances. With players like Stanton and Rizzo on the IL, the team is struggling to produce runs beyond their top hitters. The recent addition of utility infielder J.D. Davis has not provided the spark the team needs, and the lineup is reliant on a few key players to carry the team. Cashman might need to make a move to change the team’s outlook offensively.
Overall, the Yankees are facing a number of challenges as they move through the season. Despite a strong start, the team is dealing with injuries, underperformances, and roster issues that need to be addressed. The performance of key players like Gerrit Cole, as well as potential moves in the trade market, will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward. Fans are hoping that the team can overcome these challenges and continue to compete at a high level in the remaining games of the season.
