Fueled by six home runs and back-to-back successful starts, the New York Yankees won the first two games of their three-game series with the Houston Astros in their first meeting of the year. Despite the series victory, the Yankees’ lead in the American League East shrank due to the Tampa Bay Rays’ three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins. However, the Yankees still lead the division by 1 ½ games and boast the AL’s best record. These are the key takeaways from the Yankees’ third consecutive series victory.
A Surging Second-Year Pitcher
Will Warren has had a much-improved sophomore season, and Friday night was another installment in it.
Over six innings, Warren allowed two earned runs with six strikeouts and a lone walk. The 26-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in all six starts this season, providing the Yankees with consistency in the middle of their rotation.
Warren’s success this season goes hand-in-hand with his command. Last season, Warren walked 9.1% of the batters he faced. However, in 31 1/3 innings this year, Warren has allowed seven free passes. That gives him a 5.4% walk rate, which ranks in the 88th percentile.
With Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole on their way, Warren projects as the fifth and final starter in the Yankees’ rotation. If he can continue his success, it would go a long way for a rotation that leads the American League in ERA.
Bottom of the Order
It’s no secret that the bottom of the Yankees’ order has held the team back offensively. However, after the group’s performance this weekend, it might be turning a corner.
Ryan McMahon had his best season of the series, collecting a hit in all three games and going deep in Friday’s 12-4 win. Jazz Chisholm Jr. followed suit, setting the tone in Friday’s contest with a three-hit, four-RBI performance that included his second home run of the season.
Even the Yankees’ catchers, Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra, performed well over the weekend. Escarra started games one and three of the series, recording three hits and an RBI in nine at-bats. Wells started the second game in place of Escarra, notching two hits and two walks in five trips to the plate. One of his two hits was his second home run of the season, a seventh-inning shot that put the Yankees up 3–2 and started a three‑run frame.
Jose Caballero could be in this group, but the Yankee shortstop came into this series with a red-hot bat. Against the Astros, Caballero collected five more hits, two of them being home runs. Since April 13, Caballero is hitting .375 with six extra-base hits.
Next Up
The Yankees will stay in Texas for a three-game series with the Texas Rangers starting Monday. First pitch is set for 8:05 pm Eastern, with Max Fried in line to make the series-opening start.
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