The New York Yankees’ new mantra for 2019 is the “next man up,” and everyone is talking about it.
This 2019 Yankees season has been one for the books. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been pushing for playoff success, as the last time the Yanks won the American League East was in 2012 with Manager Joe Girardi.
Boone is putting his best foot forward, hoping his team will have home field advantage in the World Series. In order for this to happen, the Yankees must have the best record in baseball.
Although the Yankees have had more injuries this season than any other team in baseball, they currently hold the best record in the sport. The “next man up” mentality is one of grandeur, as no matter who becomes injured, there is a second or third-string player behind them who plays as well or better than who they replaced. This has changed the predictions going into this Yankees season.
Last season’s homerun leader, right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, has been out for all games this season except for nine. After being placed on the injured list just after Spring Training this past March with a left bicep strain, Stanton has hope of returning again this season.
To further the Bombers’ offensive struggles, Aaron Judge has only played 59 games out of 88 this season due to a left oblique strain putting him on the injured list since April. Judge had the second most home runs in the MLB for the 2017 season and was one of the leagues best hitters.
Recently, the Yankees have tied the Minnesota Twins for the most home runs in baseball, but did so with perseverance as they were missing their two most prolific home run hitters for most of the season.
With injuries riddling their offensive lineup, their defense was not in the clear. Their ace pitcher, Luis Severino, and their best setup man in the bullpen, Dellin Betances, have not thrown a pitch this year. Severino is suffering from a right lat strain and shoulder inflammation, while Betances is dealing with a right shoulder impingement. Both have been on the injured list since Spring Training.
Despite injuries, the New York Yankees are still thriving. The MVP of this new Yankees team is the all-infielder DJ LeMahieu, who is currently in a career high for home runs and RBIs from the leadoff position. Usually LeMahieu will play at second base, but he has played every infield position except for shortstop.
Amazingly, despite all the injuries to key players, the Yankees still hold their coveted place with the best record in baseball.
