The New York Yankees lost 7-2 to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in the series finale between the top two teams in the American League East, thanks to a four-run fifth inning.
Gleyber Torres blasted his first home run, but also made the Yankees’ third mistake of the series, extending the game’s crucial inning.
“He’s got to secure the ball,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said about Torres, who fumbled the ball while attempting to barehand shortstop Anthony Volpe’s throw on a possible double play. “He makes that play a lot. Did not happen at that location.”
Torres committed his sixth mistake of the season. Despite the setback, the Yankees received some positive news. Alex Verdugo, New York’s left fielder, returned to the lineup and hit sixth after missing three games on the paternity list. He finished 1-3 in Thursday’s game.
With the victory, the Yankees dropped one game behind the Orioles for the American League East lead.
The Yankees may shake up their lineup
When YES Network asked New York manager Aaron Boone whether he would consider switching Soto and Judge in the lineup, he said, “We’ll see,” according to Chris Kirschner.
The combo failed to get things going during the series against the Baltimore Orioles. However, Thursday’s 7-2 setback highlighted their issues. Soto had two singles, but Judge only walked during the game.
Perhaps a lineup adjustment will allow the stars to get momentum as the Yankees prepare to face the surprising Detroit Tigers.
Soto was traded to the Yankees over the winter after spending two seasons with the San Diego Padres. Judge has struggled at the plate this season, despite his strong performance for the Yankees.
Soto is coming off a 162-game season in 2023, his career high. So far, he’s doing well in 2024. He bats.331, has eight home runs, 25 RBIs, with an OPS of 1.029. Soto will undoubtedly come back strong after his performance with the Orioles alongside Aaron Judge.
Judge has been dealing with a chronic toe ailment since the summer of 2023. Even so, the experienced center fielder appears to be in good shape for 2024. His batting average is down to.197, but he has six home runs, 18 RBI, and an OPS of.725.
Judge and Soto are critical to the Yankees’ success this season, as they want to return to the MLB postseason.
Next up for the Yankees: RHP Marcus Stroman seeks to rebound from a four-inning outing, his shortest of the season, against the Tigers in the first of a six-game homestand on Friday night.
