The New York Yankees had a much-needed off day Monday but there still was a lot going on behind the scenes.
The New York Yankees head into their next series riding high. Taking two of four on the road from the Cleveland Indians, they have a two-game winning streak and a desire to keep it going.
A big part of their recent successes have a lot to do with the bullpen, which earned Bullpen of the Week honors from the MLB.
.@Yankees relievers punch out 27 batters in 21.2 innings to nab Bullpen of the Week honors. https://t.co/uCItRtBtdr #PrevailingMoments pic.twitter.com/I7cEcbar9x
— MLB (@MLB) August 7, 2017
So they’re back on track! After going through a rough patch, the Yankees have bounced right back with their dominant bullpen.
Also, according to ESNY’s stats guru, Christian Kourourpakis, the Yankees bullpen ranks first in WAR since the All-Star break.
#Yankees since All-Star Break:
Bullpen: 2.5 WAR (1st in MLB)
Rotation: 3.3 WAR (2nd in MLB)
Offense: 1.5 WAR (23rd in MLB)— Christian Kouroupakis (@ckouroupakis) August 7, 2017
As we also heard earlier, former Yankee Don Baylor passed away Monday morning. He played for the Yankees from 1983 through 1985. During his time in the Bronx, Baylor mainly served as a designated hitter.
He hit .267 in three season with the Yankees while also crushing 71 home runs.
The Yankees posted a heartfelt goodbye on Twitter this morning, showing just how loved and respected Baylor was.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Yankee Don Baylor. He was a great man & we send our thoughts to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/3t3UavXPs8
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 7, 2017
Looking down at the farm, the Tampa Yankees completed a crazy comeback last night to steal a victory from the Clearwater Threshers, the Philadelphia Phillies Single-A affiliate.
Down 10-3 in the top of the third inning, the Yankees battled back, slowly but surely. With the deficit cut to five in the sixth, the Yankees plated five runs to tie the game at 11.
Then, with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Kyle Holder and Donny Sands each drove in a run to put the Yanks on top 13-11, which ended up being the final score.
T-Yanks WIN, 13-11! @HardHittinCG 8th HR; @KyleHolder22 4 RBI; @Dnike13 3 RBI; A comeback victory for the #Yankees! pic.twitter.com/It49OtSOK0
— Tampa Tarpons (@TampaTarpons) August 8, 2017
It may only be Single-A but I guarantee you that might be the most exciting game in the minors all season long.
Hopefully that will get the Yankees pumped up to go for the series win against the Blue Jays. Here’s to another great series coming up!
