Yankees Opening Series Takeaways as New York Sweeps the Astros

Yankees win despite little contribution from top half of the lineup

In 2023 and 2022, the Yankees were far too reliant on the production of Aaron Judge offensively. Outside of Juan Soto, the Yankees' bigger names weren't all that effective and the Yankees still managed to win this series.

Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo, and Anthony Rizzo are a combined 11-61 for an average of .180 with just 3 RBIs. The Yankees certainly need these guys to get started, though winning despite below-average- production is a positive sign.

Bullpen domination

The Yankees enter 2024 with less star power in their bullpen after parting ways with pitchers like Aroldis Chapman and Wandy Peralta while also missing out on Tommy Kahnle and Lou Trivino who deal with injuries. The Yankees have gone with lesser-known relievers in the bullpen and early on the group has been dominant.

Ian Hamilton appeared in two games pitching three scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Dodgers acquisitions Caleb Ferguson and Victor Gonzalez combined for 2.2 scoreless innings. Jonathan Loaisiga gave the team three scoreless innings although, his seven hits allowed could be a reason for concern.

Clay Holmes made things shaky on Sunday, yet the closer racked up three saves in three games. The Yankees bullpen outdueled the best bullpen in baseball in the Astros.

The Kids do their part

The Yankees are a veteran-filled team, however, some of their "kids" helped New York win this series. Oswaldo Cabrera was talked about in length as he was arguably the most valuable player in this series.

Anthony Volpe played the first three games batting .400 with four hits, four walks, a homer, and two RBIs. Austin Wells got the start in two of the games batting .333 with two hits, three walks, and scored three times. Clayton Beeter made one appearance out of the bullpen pitching a scoreless inning before being returned to the minors.

Yankees are onto the red hot Diamondbacks

The Yankees will have Monday off before facing off against the National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The Yankees will face off against Ryne Nelson and Cy Young contenders Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

The series will give Luis Gil his first start of the season while Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon will hope to build on great starts to the season. This series will give the Yankees another solid opportunity to measure themselves against what could be a World Series Contender.

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