Entering the final month of the MLB season, the New York Yankees are in a bit of a slump, having lost four of their last five games. They currently hold a narrow half-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the American League East.
The Yankees (79-58) aim to reverse their fortunes as they begin a six-game road trip, starting with a three-game series against the Texas Rangers (65-72) in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.
Pitcher Nestor Cortes, who struggled in a 14-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, remains optimistic. “As bad as people think we are playing… we are still in first place,” Cortes remarked. “It’s there for us to take. We just have to come out every day prepared and be ready to win every single day.”
Cortes’ performance was lackluster, as he allowed five runs on nine hits over four innings. The bullpen faltered as well, surrendering nine additional runs, including five in a seventh inning that started with the game tied 7-7.
For the series opener, the Yankees will rely on Gerrit Cole (5-3, 3.86 ERA). Cole has a solid track record against the Rangers, boasting a 6-4 record and a 3.74 ERA in 16 career starts. He has consistently pitched at least five innings in his last eight games. In August, he held opponents to three runs on 17 hits across four starts before giving up three runs on six hits in his last outing, a 4-2 loss to the Washington Nationals.
New York has struggled in recent series, losing three of their last four against non-playoff teams. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of these games, stating, “We know how important these games are. We have to play our best, and we have to put our best foot forward to win these games. And we hope we start that (Monday) night.”
The Yankees welcomed back first baseman Anthony Rizzo on Sunday. Rizzo, who had been sidelined since June 18 with a forearm fracture, made an immediate impact by going 2-for-4 with an RBI double and scoring twice.
The Rangers are coming off a 6-4 walk-off win against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Josh Jung’s three-run homer in the 10th inning secured their fifth win in six games and marked their second consecutive walk-off victory, bringing their season total to eight.
Josh Jung expressed his enjoyment of the recent success, saying, “I think winning and having fun are kind of intertwined a little bit. So yeah, we’re having a good time. That was a really fun moment for me today. I was jumping up and down. I think when you start winning more games, fun comes with it.”
Corey Seager had an impressive August, hitting 11 home runs and tying for second most in the majors, just one behind Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi praised Seager’s performance, saying, “We’re so grateful just to be able to watch him play every day and everything that he does on a day-in, day-out basis.”
Texas is expected to start lefty Andrew Heaney (4-13, 3.95 ERA) on Monday. Heaney has had a challenging time against the Yankees, with a 1-4 record and a 5.35 ERA in seven career starts against them.