After back-to-back losses against the Athletics, the New York Yankees hit a new low when the Tampa Bay Rays completed the sweep in three games for the first time since 2021. Despite an 8-2 start, the Yankees are losers of five straight and out of first place in the American League East. These are the key takeaways from the Yankees’ second consecutive series loss.
A Lifeless Offense
Embed from Getty Images
For the second straight series, the Yankees’ offense failed to produce outside of two late-inning rallies. In hindsight, it’s easy to see why the Yankees have struggled on offense, as timely hitting has evaded them. On Friday, the team left five runners on base, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Over the next two games, the going got worse as the Yankees stranded 16 runners and went 3-for-19 with runners in scoring position.
But even with how bad they’ve been with runners in scoring position, the Yankees’ offense has been unable to produce holistically. Through 15 games, their .202 batting average is the third-worst mark in all of baseball. Their 98 total hits, meanwhile, are tied for the fewest in the sport.
Stellar Outings Being Wasted
Embed from Getty Images
While the Yankees’ offense has struggled, their starting pitching has remained elite. Unfortunately, that’s resulted in several great outings going by the wayside. On Saturday, Max Fried pitched eight innings of three-run baseball, striking out six batters in the process. The Yankees lost 5-4. The next day, Cam Schlittler allowed three runs in five innings with a season-high eight strikeouts. The Yankees lost 5-4 again.
Amidst a downward spiral, the Yankees’ 2.78 ERA ranks second in Major League Baseball. The team keeps the ball in the park, evidenced by the league-best three home runs they’ve given up. However, with little run support, the Yankees have been unable to win.
Bednar’s Struggles Continue
Embed from Getty Images
David Bednar’s nightmare 2026 season got worse on Saturday. In his only relief appearance of the series, Bednar allowed one earned run on two hits, retiring one batter in the process. In Bednar’s defense, both hits were perfectly placed bunt singles by Chandler Simpson and Taylor Walls. Still, Bednar blew the save as the Rays won 5-4 in extra innings. He now holds a 0-2 record for the year.
Next Up
The Yankees return home on Monday to start a four-game series with the Los Angeles Angels in the Bronx. Will Warren will take the ball for the Yankees, as the first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
More New York Yankees Articles
More MLB Articles
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
- Category
-
New York Yankees
