Despite taking the first game of the series, the New York Yankees lost the final two contests against the Athletics for their first series defeat of the season. The team is still 8–4 on the young season and sits atop the American League East. These are the major takeaways from the Yankees’ series loss.
Bottom of the Order Struggling Mightily
The Yankees’ offense was radio silent against the Athletics, with the group mustering two hits in the final seventeen innings of the series. The bottom of the order, however, is the biggest cause for concern.
Ryan McMahon is hitting .067 on the season and Jose Caballero is batting .135. Even Austin Wells, after an encouraging World Baseball Classic performance, has a .167 average.
There’s no question the Yankees’ offense can hit. In 2025, they led baseball in wRC+, home runs, RBI, and several other categories. Still, the likes of Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton can’t shoulder the entire burden. It’s still early in the season, but the bottom of the Yankees’ order has inspired little confidence so far.
A Potential New Third Baseman
The Yankees re-signed Amed Rosario in December to serve as a utility man. But after his performance on Tuesday, his role could certainly change going forward.
In that game, Rosario started over the struggling McMahon and hit two home runs. His second home run was a go-ahead, three-run home run that secured the Yankees’ 5–3 win.
McMahon’s offensive struggles are certainly concerning, but the Yankees shouldn’t worry since a capable third base option in Rosario is on the roster.
Bednar Yet to Find Groove
The 2026 season has not been kind to David Bednar, and Wednesday’s game was proof of that.
When Bednar took the mound in the ninth inning, the Yankees and Athletics were tied 2–2. Two hits and an earned run later, the Athletics led 3–2, a lead they held the rest of the way.
Bednar has allowed an earned run in three of his last four appearances, with his season ERA sitting at 4.26. It’s too early to press the panic button, but for a reliever who was so dominant in 2025, you expect better.
Next Up
The Yankees will get their first taste of divisional action on Friday when they begin a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. First pitch is slated for 7:10 pm Eastern. with Max Fried in line to make his fourth start of the season.
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