The New York Yankees (43-36) are back in action to take on the woeful Oakland A's (21-60) on Wednesday night from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum at 9:40pmET.
The A's took the opener 2-1 as a +123 dog thanks to a strong pitching performance from Paul Blackburn and the bullpen.
The Yankees' way used to be going out on the trade market and giving up a prospect to acquire a very good player when they are struggling. It's not like you can go out and replace slugger Aaron Judge, who is dealing with an injured toe that could keep out another month or two. With Judge on the sidelines this season, the Yankees are 13-17 with a .365 slugging percentage and a .208 average. With Judge, the team is 30-19 with a .240 batting average and .432 slugging percentage.
Donaldson Drive ?? pic.twitter.com/pe9I97EQzo
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 28, 2023
On Tuesday, Jhony Brito went 5.2 innings and allowed two runs and four hits, but the New York offense was absent as they produced just one run against Oakland pitching. Josh Donaldson hit a solo shot to give the Yankees their only run. Rookie SS Anthony Volpe had a strong night with three hits to improve his average to .203. The Yankees will go with veteran Domingo German on the mound. He's 4-5 with a 5.10 ERA this season and a 1.18 WHIP. In his last start, he gave up 10 runs (8 earned) in 3.1 innings in a 10-2 loss to Seattle at home.