ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—The Yankees started another series today, their first in Tropicana Field since July of 2024. The Yankees lost 5-3, falling to 8-5 after an 8-2 start to the season.
They are now on a three-game losing streak with their lack of offense.
Luis Gil struggled with his command all game, and the Yankees offense fell asleep after the first inning once again. The team got two hits in the first inning and did not record another hit until the eighth inning.
Pitching Highlight
Luis Gil made his season debut today. He was not great. He was getting into countless bad counts throughout the game. The first inning was the perfect example, where he got two quick outs before issuing a walk and a two-run home run by Yandy Diaz. He issues another walk before recording the final out in the frame.
His velocity was up in the first inning, and came down after that when it was clear he was trying to paint his pitching.
Hitting Highlight
The Yankees offense is still scuffling. At least they were able to score runs today.
Thank God for Ben Rice, who has been their best offensive hitter, coming up with a pinch-hit solo home run in the eighth, breaking up the two-hitter.
They have to score. Their at bats have been poor, especially from the bottom of the lineup. It’s getting to the point where guys in the lineup look like they are pressing.
They have a combined five runs and eight hits in their past three games. Not good enough. They are not hitting home runs either, which is taking one of the biggest advantages the Yankees should have offensively out of their toolbox.
The Yankees were able to get the go-ahead run at the plate with no outs in the 9th but were unable to tie or take the lead in the game
The Yankees lineup struck out 12 times in this game.
Notable:
Jose Caballero and Jazz Chisholm Jr. cannot use the ABS challenge. Both of them are costing the team challenges in big spots. The Yankees lost both of their challenges due to this before the end of the fifth inning.
What’s Next:
The Yankees will play a night game tomorrow at The Trop, starting at 6:10pm on the YES network. The Yankees will send out their ace, Max Fried, opposed by right-hander Nick Martinez.