The Yankees' Loss to Cubs Exposes Need for Lineup and Bullpen Reinforcements
The New York Yankees' 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night highlighted the team's need for reinforcements in their lineup and bullpen.
The Yankees' challenged lineup failed to gain any traction against Cubs lefty starter David Peterson and three relievers, despite a 2-1 lead entering the seventh inning. The team's inability to put up points on the board was a recurring theme, with manager Aaron Boone stating, "We don't have a lot of margin for error when you're not putting a lot of points on the board."
Switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez had a good at-bat from his historically weaker right side, lashing a double to left. However, he also misplayed the carom on Pete Crow-Armstrong's go-ahead triple during a three-run seventh, fueling the Cubs to a victory.
The Yankees' bullpen also struggled, with reliever Fernando Cruz giving up a game-tying homer to Nico Hoerner and being charged with another run. Over his last seven appearances, Cruz has given up five runs on six hits – including two homers – with eight walks, as he struggles with his signature splitter.
The team is now rushing toward the MLB trade deadline, which is set to close at 6 p.m. EDT on Monday. The Yankees will need to bolster their lineup, which has been impacted by key injuries, and their bullpen, which is in need of more swing-and-miss stuff.
The starting pitching remains a signature strength for the Yankees, with Max Fried handing off a one-run lead in the sixth inning. However, Fried also lamented "getting into some traffic again in the first (inning)," where a walk and two wild pitches led to Chicago's first run.
The loss leaves the Yankees with a 10-game road trip, with Gerrit Cole set to take the mound on Sunday. The team will be hoping to end the trip with a winning record and maybe even some reinforcements on the way. As Fried said, "Whatever happens, happens."
Source: Yahoo Sports