Yankees Face Ongoing Southpaw Struggles.. Can They Overcome Their Left-Handed Pitching Woes This Season?
The Yankees continue to struggle against left-handed pitchers, a trend highlighted on August 19, 2024. In their recent game, they faced Tarik Skubal, a Cy Young Award candidate, who limited them to just three hits and one run. This performance underscores a larger issue for the Yankees, as they have only won 13 of their 32 games against lefty starters this season.
Despite a strong record against right-handed pitchers, the Yankees’ lack of success against southpaws could impact their playoff chances. Their overall OPS against lefties is one of the lowest in baseball.
Key takeaways:
- The Yankees struggle against left-handed pitchers.
- They have a .712 OPS against southpaws.
- Only 13 wins in 32 games against lefties.
- Upcoming schedule features six lefty starters.
Yankees’ Ongoing Struggles Against Left-Handed Pitchers Impact Playoff Hopes
The Yankees’ difficulties against left-handed pitchers have become a pressing concern as the season progresses. Their recent performance against Tarik Skubal showcased their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. With a mere .712 OPS against southpaws, they rank among the bottom teams in this category. This weakness is alarming, especially as they prepare to face six lefty starters in their next nine games. The Yankees must find a way to improve their hitting against lefties if they want to secure a strong postseason position.
Upcoming Challenges: Six Lefty Starters Await the Yankees
As the Yankees gear up for a critical stretch, they will face a series of left-handed pitchers. This includes their upcoming series against the Guardians, starting with Matthew Boyd. The Yankees’ coaching staff must devise strategies to enhance their performance against these southpaws. Here are some key points to consider:
- Focus on improving plate discipline.
- Encourage players to adjust their batting techniques.
- Utilize matchups effectively to maximize scoring chances.
- Monitor player performance closely against lefties.
Key Players Struggling Against Left-Handed Pitchers
Several Yankees players have notably struggled against left-handed pitchers this season. DJ LeMahieu has a disappointing .406 OPS against lefties, while Anthony Volpe has only managed a .636 OPS. Even Giancarlo Stanton, who was expected to bolster the lineup, has a .663 OPS against southpaws. These statistics highlight the need for the Yankees to find solutions quickly.
Recent Game Insights and Player Performances
In their recent game against the Tigers, the Yankees displayed some resilience by working long at-bats against Skubal. However, they ultimately fell short in their efforts. Manager Aaron Boone noted that while they made Skubal work hard, they still struggled to get hits. Tommy Kahnle, on the other hand, has been a bright spot, throwing scoreless innings and maintaining a strong ERA.
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