The Yankees were doing so well, looking like they might be launching a historic season, in spite of all their injuries.
And then, yesterday, we got word that John Sterling, Yankee broadcaster from 1989 to 2024, had passed away at the age of 87. To paraphrase the man himself: Ballgame over, life well lived over.
The Yankees played on, with the letters "JS" stitched in white on the backs of their caps. I suspect there will be a uniform sleeve mourning band or patch to come.
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They began a weekend 4-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium II on Friday night. Will Warren, meant to plug one of the holes in the rotation caused by the long-term injuries to Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt, pitched very well again, going 6 1/3rd innings, allowing 2 runs, only 1 earned, on 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 9.
His main support came in a 4-run 2nd inning that included home runs by José Caballero and Ben Rice. The Yankee bullpen allowed just 1 baserunner, a walk, and the Yankees began the series with a 7-2 win.
Ryan Weathers was also meant to be a hole-plugger. On Saturday afternoon, he only went 5 innings, because he had thrown 90 pitches. He allowed 3 runs, but only 1 earned, on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5.
But Cody Bellinger had himself a very nice day. How nice was it? 4-for-4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs. Trent Grisham also homered, and the Yanks beat the O's, 9-4.
On Sunday, in the last game that John Sterling would ever see, Max Fried had a rare struggling start, going just 5 1/3rd innings, throwing 107 pitches, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks, although he did strike out 9. The bullpen pitched shutout ball the rest of the way, allowing 3 hits and no walks. Fernando Cruz turned out to be the winning pitcher.
Rice hit another home run, his 12th of the season. Aaron Judge hit his 13th, to retake the American League lead. Returning from injury to make his 1st major league appearance of the season, highly-touted prospect Jasson Domínguez, "The Martian," went 3-for-5 with a home run and 3 RBIs. With 7 runs in the bottom of the 8th, the Yankees pulled away, and won, 11-3.
The Yankees gave Sterling one last smile.
Last night, a pregame ceremony was held in his memory. Highlights of his calls were played on the big video board in center field. Two of his former broadcast partners, Michael Kay and Suzyn Waldman, walked onto the field, and each laid a bouquet of flowers on home plate.
Like Fried the day before, Cam Schlittler struggled, going 5 2/3rds innings, allowing only 1 run, but 7 hits and 3 walks. Fortunately, the bullpen threw shutout ball the rest of the way.
Judge went 2-for-4 with a walk and 4 RBIs, including a home run. It was the 382nd of his career. On the all-time list, this surpassed Albert Belle, and tied Frank Howard, Jim Rice and Ryan Howard (no relation to Frank). Next up on the all-time list: Larry Walker, with 383.
Yankees 12, Orioles 1. The Orioles did not hold a lead in any of the 36 innings of this series.
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We are now 21 percent of the way into the season, 1/5th. The Yankees are 24-11, a pace for 111 wins, having won winning 13 of their last 15. They have done this without 3 projected starting pitchers, and also without Domínguez until Sunday.
They have also done this without their intended starting shortstop, Anthony Volpe. But Caballero has played so well, they Yankees decided to send Volpe to their Class AAA team in Scranton (actually, Moosic), Pennsylvania. They had to do either that, or promote him (meaning they would have to clear a roster spot), or waive him, or "designate him for assignment," or release him outright. They chose the path most likely to make him a contributing player in the future.
The Yankees have the best record in the American League. Only the Atlanta Braves, by half a game (1 more win and the same number of losses) have a better one in the National League. The Yankees lead the AL Eastern Division by a game and a half over the Tampa Bay Rays, 8 over the Toronto Blue Jays, 9 over the Orioles, and 10 over the despised Boston Red Sox.
Tonight, the Yankees start a home series with the Texas Rangers, from whom they took 2 out of 3 last week. Elmer Rodríguez makes his 2nd major league appearance and start, against Jacob deGrom. For his career, Rodríguez is 0-1, while the fragile deGrom is 98-66. Perhaps Rodríguez will end up with more career wins.
Come on you Pinstripes!
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