Expectations Lower As Yankees Hit Rough Patch – New York Yankees Midweek Report

The Yanks went through a brutal three-game losing streak to the Red Sox and Orioles. Plus eight losses in 11 games after a July 30 loss to Baltimore. Is it a big deal?

Outside the Bronx, no, but this is the 27-time World Series champs, so it is a big deal. The Yankees continue to fail to get the big hit. Right now, you can’t take this team seriously as a World Series contender until they can hit in all situations, which would include two outs and a runner in scoring position. This is a flaw that has to be corrected for the pinstripes.

What’s to come:

A three-game set this weekend in the Bronx with the Mariners, Ichiro’s former club. The Yankees should take care of business as Seattle is a very, very soft team. One thing Seattle was adamant about was NOT trading King Felix Hernandez. Too bad for the Yanks as they will face him in Game 2 on Saturday. Hiroki Kuroda will counter for New York.

Highlight of the Week:

Ichiro hit his first home run as a Yankee on July 30, a 5-4 loss to Baltimore in New York.

Other news:

Andy Pettitte is still slated for a September return according to manager Joe Girardi. Joba Chamberlain struck out three in 1 1/3 scoreless innings during his rehab outing for Double-A Trenton. 23 of 30 pitches went for strikes as he earned the win in relief against Harrisburg. Joba is battling back from an ankle injury, Tommy John surgery and reckless trampoline activity. Finally, Mark Teixeira reinjured his left wrist against Baltimore on July 30 and left the game. An MRI showed he has no structural damage, just inflammation. Tex will be evaluated again this week and should be back in the lineup soon as of this article.

Article by Mike Lidsley at PinstripePassion.com