Trent Grisham’s Power Pushes Yankees to Narrow Victory Over Twins
The New York Yankees broke a two-game losing streak on Tuesday night with a thrilling 10-9 victory against the Minnesota Twins. At the heart of the Yankees’ success was Trent Grisham, who enjoyed a standout performance by belting his 31st home run of the season and driving in three crucial runs, underscoring his impressive year at the plate.
Bullpen Struggles Resurface
Despite the commanding lead, the Yankees’ bullpen once again showed signs of vulnerability. After racing to a 10-1 advantage through the first four innings, the pitching staff allowed a staggering eight runs over the last five frames. Ryan Yarbrough was particularly troubled on the mound, permitting four runs on four hits while recording just a single out.
The tension escalated in the ninth inning when David Bednar, who had been acquired to stabilize the bullpen, surrendered a home run to Trevor Larnach. Though he managed to close out the game and secure the save, the anxiety of a one-run victory left fans on the edge of their seats.
A Struggling Relief Corps
Since the All-Star break, the Yankees’ bullpen has struggled significantly, posting a 5.49 ERA. Overall, their season mark of 4.61 ranks as the eighth highest in the majors, and it stands out as the worst among teams still vying for postseason action. General manager Brian Cashman made moves at the trade deadline in hopes of strengthening the unit, bringing in Bednar from Pittsburgh and Camilo Doval from San Francisco. However, both pitchers have seen their ERAs rise since joining the Yankees, a troubling trend for a team looking to make a playoff run.
Jake Bird, another recent addition from Colorado, has also faced difficulties. After allowing six runs in just two innings, he was demoted to Triple-A and has yet to return to the Major League roster.
Favorable Schedule Ahead
Despite the bullpen’s ongoing challenges, the Yankees face a relatively favorable closing schedule. Upcoming matchups include seven games against the Baltimore Orioles, three against the Chicago White Sox, and one final contest against the Twins.
While these bullpen struggles might not thwart the Yankees’ playoff aspirations, they raise concerns about the team’s ability to advance deep into October. As the season winds down, they will need to find a way to address these issues to ensure a successful postseason run.
