It has been reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post that the New York Yankees have reached out to the representatives of free agent Kendrys Morales.  He is a likely candidate to join the Yankees in the event that the team deals catcher Brian McCann this winter.

According to the report, the Yankees are not the only team in the AL East interested in Morales.  The Toronto Blue Jays, who could lose free agents Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, and Michael Saunders, and the Boston Red Sox, who designated hitter David Ortiz retire after last season have reached out.

All of the above reported teams have also been tied to Encarnacion, who will seek a much larger contract than Morales this winter.

Following his two-year, $17 million deal with the Kansas City Royals, Morales was not issued a qualifying offer by Kansas City.  In two seasons with the Royals, Morales hit 52 home-runs and 199 RBI with a slashline of .277/.344/.476.

The 33-year-old Morales could provide well for the Yankees as a switch hitter in a pure DH role, but could also back up first base if needed with Greg Bird returning from shoulder surgery.

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Prior to Game 7 of the World Series, the Chicago Cubs claimed right-handed pitcher Conor Mullee off of waivers from the New York Yankees.

Mullee was selected by the Yankees in the 24th round of the 2010 draft out of St. Peter’s University.  Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, he has not been able to stay on the mound throughout his professional career.

Three major elbow surgeries caused him to miss nearly all of the 2011-13 seasons.  In June of 2011, he experienced elbow discomfort which would require his first Tommy John surgery.  After just five innings of work for the Staten Island Yankees, a second Tommy John was required.  A third procedure was needed in 2013 as his arm failed to heal properly from his second surgery.

Mullee made his Major League debut for the Yankees on May 16 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He pitched just one inning, surrendering three walks and one run with one strikeout.  He would pitch twice more for the Yankees on June 28 and July 1.  He threw two scoreless frames, struck out three batters and walked one.

In between his time in The Bronx, he pitched lights out ball with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  Over 36.1 innings of work, he posted a 0.99 ERA and added 45 strikeouts.

In August, Mullee’s season was once again cut short when he required yet another surgery to address a nerve issue in his elbow.

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At this year’s Major League Baseball trade deadline, the New York Yankees made two trades, sending Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians and Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs.  Fans of the Yankees have watched their two trade pieces dominate throughout the playoffs.  Now, Miller and Chapman are facing off in the World Series for their respective teams.

The Yankees also made room with the release of Alex Rodriguez and retirement of first baseman Mark Teixeira.  The roster moves allowed New York to create space in the lineup and begin the youth movement in The Bronx.

Combining the aforementioned trades plus three more, the Yankees acquired 14 prospects in total.  This includes the No. 1 and No. 2 on Baseball America’s Top 10 New York Yankees prospects for 2017.  Josh Norris, who ranked the team’s prospects, named Gleyber Torres, who was acquired as part of the Chapman deal with Chicago, as No. 1 and Clint Frazier, the outfield prospect of the Miller trade with Cleveland, as No. 2.

The rest (No. 3-10) of Baseball America’s Yankees Top 10 goes like this: Blake Rutherford (OF), Jorge Mateo (SS), James Kaprielian (RHP), Aaron Judge (OF), Justus Sheffield (LHP), Chance Adams (RHP), Dustin Fowler (OF), and Domingo Acevedo (RHP).

Earlier this week on World Series Media Day, Cubs skipper Joe Maddon discussed the Chapman trade, speaking highly of Torres.

“I’ve seen Gleyber.  Gleyber’s a good baseball player, man,” he stated.  “That kid’s going to be really good.  You have to give up something to get something.  But also, our guys felt if we got Aroldis this year, we’d have a chance to be sitting here and answering this question, and they were right.”

In 2016 between the Cubs and Yankees farm, he hit .270 with a .775 OPS.  He added 29 doubles, five triples, 11 home-runs, 66 RBI and 21 stolen bases.

In his article, Norris praised Torres’ pitch recognition skills, specifically his ability to “sort through breaking pitches in order to get to the fastball he desires.”  He wrote, “Early in the season, Torres tried too hard to hit for power and got pull happy, but he showed the ability to adjust and got back to an all-fields approach.  Evaluators believe Torres has the ability to hit for plus average and plus power, and this season showed pop to both corners.”

Torres is proving just that in the Arizona Fall League.  He kicked off his AFL season with an opposite field home-run at Scottsdale Stadium.  The 19-year-old is batting .306 with a 1.016 OPS.  Through 10 games, he hit three home-runs and seven RBI and was named Player of the Week on October 25.

Frazier, the No. 2 prospect as named by BA, hit .263 with a .782 OPS in Double-A and Triple-A teams with the Indians and Yankees.  He ended the year with 27 doubles, five triples, 16 home-runs, 55 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

This morning, fans voted the Yankees farm system the Best Farm System for the 2016 MiLBYs.

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Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter hosted a Turn 2 Foundation event Tuesday in New York City.  At the event, he and current Yankees closer Dellin Betances had a few words in regards to the team and some former teammates.

Betances stated he has been dialed in to the Major League Baseball playoffs, and now the World Series, watching his former teammates, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.

“I’ve got to keep close tabs on Miller and Chapman and see who wins the throne,” Betances said of the World Series match-up.

He indicated he is not taking sides, though.  Instead, he will root for both Miller and Chapman.  The trio spent half of the season in one of the most feared bullpens in baseball.

No doubt the Yankees would have liked the group remain intact and pitch for them in October.  Miller and Chapman were dealt to the Indians and Cubs, respectively, at the trade deadline.  When asked about the chances of Chapman returning to the Bronx as a free agent next season, Betances said he would be glad to see him return to the Yankees.

“Anything that makes us better,” he said.  “We want to be playing now.”

Another former Yankees teammate that has caught the eye of Betances is Alex Rodriguez, whom he spoke highly of in regards to his broadcasting work for FOX.

“I think he’s wonderful,” Betances said.  “He has a high IQ for baseball.”

Jeter on the other hand, said he has not been able to tune in to watch his former teammate.  He stated he has just seen highlights, not full games due to how busy he has been of late.

The 42-year-old did, however, take a moment to speak on the youth and future of the Yankees organization.

“We had a long run there when we had the same group,” he said.  “The young guys have made a smooth transition.  I know there’s some big expectations.”

Also at the event on crutches was Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, but was not available for questions.

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The New York Yankees announced today that Yankee Stadium will undergo design enhancements for the 2017 season.  The enhancements are intended to improve the experience for fans no matter what the age of the guest may be.

“We have listened to our fans and ticket holders and their top requests were for more family-friendly and socially-oriented spaces at Yankee Stadium,” said Hal Steinbrenner.  “Yankees fans will now have many more dedicated areas for spending time with guests who have tickets in other sections of the stadium, allowing all guests to be able to enjoy the game from multiple vantage points while having unique food and drink options available to them.  We are also especially excited to provide an engaging children’s play area for families to utilize prior to and throughout the game.  Having these types of spaces in Yankee Stadium is fundamental to the expectations of our fans, and we look forward to making them a huge part of the Yankee Stadium experience in 2017 and beyond.”

Yankee Stadium enhancements are as follows:

SUNRUN KIDS CLUBHOUSE
The Sunrun Kids Clubhouse is a 2,850-square-foot mini-baseball field with a soft artificial surface, planned with the youngest Yankees fans and families in mind.  The Sunrun Kids Clubhouse will be located on the 300 Level in right field and accessible to all Yankee Stadium guests.  A number of interactive and engaging activities such as Yankees-inspired climbers, slides, and tunnels will be available for use.  Playground equipment will include oversized baseballs, bases, cards, equipment, and a six-foot-high replica World Series trophy.

“We want our youngest fans to feel as if Yankee Stadium is an extension of their local park or backyard,” Steinbrenner said.  “The Sunrun Kids Clubhouse is designed to nurture their love for experiencing games in person, while providing parents the resources they need to keep their children entertained prior to and during the game.”

It will also include family restrooms, changing tables, privacy for nursing mothers, lounge chairs, televisions, and power outlets.

Introducing the @Sunrun Kids Clubhouse! Our youngest fans will have a new spot to explore during the game! https://t.co/RWS8Z3ovze (2/3) pic.twitter.com/WGTM8uoMQN

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 24, 2016

AT&T SPORTS LOUNGE
The new AT&T Sports Lounge will be located at Section 134 on the Field Level and is available to all ticketed guests.  The lounge will be a sports-bar type atmosphere.  It will include a full bar with craft beer and cocktails, tables and stools for seating, and large-screen televisions tuned in to the Yankees broadcast along with other live sporting events.  Additionally, USB and power outlets will be available for guests.

BUDWEISER PARTY DECKS
The new Budweiser Party Decks will be located at Sections 311 and 328 and available to all ticketed guests.  Each will feature a shaded, stand-alone bar area which will serve fans beer, cocktails and food.  The decks will have drink rails and bar-stool seating for fans to view the field and game action.

MASTERCARD BATTER’S EYE DECK
The MasterCard Batter’s Eye Deck is an outdoor social space in center field available to all ticketed guests, and is said to be nearly three times its previous size.  Fans will have full view of the field, drink rails and access to craft beers, cocktails, and “unique” food offerings.

The @Mastercard Batter's Eye Deck & new Bullpen Landings will be a space for fans with any type of ticket to enjoy the game together! (3/3) pic.twitter.com/pqSzmEi6Ea

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 24, 2016

BULLPEN LANDINGS
The new bullpen landings in left and right field (on the 100 Level, formerly sections 239 and 201) are additional open-air social gathering spaces which will allow fans a view of the field and overlook the visitors and Yankees bullpens.  Each will feature their own specialty food and drink options and will have USB and power outlets.

As a result, the Yankees are removing just under 2,100 seats.  This includes roughly 600 Terrace Level seats and 1,100 obstructed-view bleachers seats.

Construction will begin this week with an anticipated completion prior to the start of the Yankees’ 2017 regular season.  Once complete, more than 200,000 additional tickets at $15 or less will become available for the upcoming season.

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One name that was tossed around a bit at the trade deadline was New York Yankees‘ catcher Brian McCann.

Discussions regarding the 2017 roster are about to begin, and McCann’s future will once again be bounced around the front office and throughout the media.  It became obvious who the No. 1 catcher in New York is with Gary Sanchez taking over the Bronx over the last eight weeks of the season.  McCann’s playing time was reduced, even more so than when Yankees manager Joe Girardi started playing Austin Romine against left-handed pitchers.

McCann hit .242/.335/.413 for the Yankees in 2016 with 20 home-runs and 58 RBI.  If he ends up staying with the Yankees, the team could use him as a first baseman, catcher, or designated hitter in 2017.

During the 2016 season, the Yankees spoke to the Braves in regards to striking a deal around McCann, but discussions did not get far, apparently due to a starting pitcher in Atlanta.

As reported by New York Post writer George A. King III, who cited industry sources, the Yankees’ fondness for Atlanta’s right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz was what stalled conversations.  With the Braves also needing to improve starting pitching, King indicates the Yankees insistence on Foltynewicz in the deal “likely killed more serious talks.”

Foltynewicz showed some improvement in 2016.  He went 9-5, posting a 4.31 ERA in 123.1 innings of work while striking out 111 batters against 35 walks.  The 25-year-old is 13-12 with a 4.92 ERA in the majors.

While the inclusion of Foltynewicz stalled talks during the season, a future deal can’t necessarily be ruled out.

The team will be opening their new ballpark this coming Spring.  The Braves did not hide the fact they would like to bring McCann back to Atlanta.  McCann played for the Braves from 2005-2013, becoming a seven-time All-Star.

McCann is owed $34 million over the next two seasons and has a full no-trade clause.  This means the Yankees would likely have to eat a portion of his contract to get a deal done.  He would also have to agree to the deal.  The Braves are confident he would waive the clause for a return to Atlanta.

Besides the Braves, the Washington Nationals will more than likely be in the market for a catcher.  Wilson Ramos suffered a serious knee injury late in 2016, like causing him to miss majority 2017 season.

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Japan’s Kyodo News reports that former New York Yankees pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.

#Carp legend Hiroki Kuroda announces his retirement ahead of Japan Series, will speak at press conference soon. #NPBeng

— Kyodo News Sports (@kyodo_sports_en) October 18, 2016

He broke the news to his teammates prior to their first practice ahead of the Japan Series, where they are set to take on the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters starting on Saturday.

“The Japan Series will be the end.  I’ve decided to hang it up.  I’ve been shown an excellent dream with an excellent team,” Kuroda said.  “And now I want to go out with a smile on my face, all of us celebrating a championship pouring beer on each other.”

In Japan, Kuroda is known for his long run in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Hiroshima Carp.  Hiroshima is the organization came into baseball with in 1997 and returned to after his run in Major League Baseball.

Throughout his 13-year career in NPB, Kuroda holds a 124-105 record in with the Hiroshima squad.  He has provided the Carp over 2,000 innings of work with an overall ERA of 3.55.  This includes going 11-8 with a 2.55 ERA in 2015, and 10-8 with a 3.09 ERA in 2016.

Kuroda did not make it to the United States or Major League Baseball until 2008 when he was 33-years-old.  Between stints in Hiroshima, he excelled over seven seasons.  In 2008, he signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Starting with his fourth season and moving forward, he signed successive one-year contracts, first to return to Los Angeles, then three single-season deals on the east coast with the Yankees.

Year after year, Kuroda epitomized consistency for pitchers, nearly providing both the Dodgers and Yankees with identical production.

In three seasons in the Bronx, he went 38-33 and won a career-high 16 games in 2012.  In total, he struck out 986 batters, averaging 30.1 starts and 188.2 innings per season with a 3.45 ERA and and 79-79 record over his seven-year MLB career.

Hats off to Kuroda on an incredible 20 years as a professional baseball player.  All the best moving forward through retirement.

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Former New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is back on the field at the Yankees‘ minor league facility in Tampa, FL.  Today, he began his new role as an instructor with the team, working with prospects taking part in this year’s instructional league.

Rodriguez spoke with youngsters Jorge Mateo, Clint Frazier, and Blake Rutherford after early hitting drills this afternoon on Field 2, otherwise known as Derek Jeter Field, as well as other players and coaches during batting practice this afternoon.  The aforementioned players are part of a deep pool of prospects in the Yankees organization.

“The talent jumps off the page,” said Rodriguez.  “This is as much good young talent that I’ve seen here in all my years here.”

While in the dugout for Friday’s game against Toronto, Rodriguez wore his No. 13 uniform which he wore with the Yankees in the Bronx.

“It still fits.  That’s a good thing,” Rodriguez said.  “It feels great to be back in pinstripes.”

Rodriguez also spoke very highly of catcher Gary Sanchez, whom the Yankees called up in August.  Sanchez is just one of what could me a number of core players in development that will make an impact in the Bronx.  Entering play today, Sanchez boasts a slashline of .303/.378/.672 with 20 home-runs and 42 RBI in just 51 games (195 at-bats).

“When he hit that bomb off Tazawa in Boston when I was there, I started to think it’s about time for me to take care of my girls because I could no longer do that,” Rodriguez said.  “When you’re in the dugout and you can feel somebody’s heart beat at game time, you can tell there’s unique calmness about him.  It’s very unusual for a rookie.  Pretty awesome to see what he’s doing.”

The 41-year-old played his final game with the Yankees on August 12.  His release came a day after his final game as part of an agreement reached with team management.  He signed a contract to be a special instructor to minor league players within the Yankees farm system through 2017 as they are responsible for the final year of his 10-year, $275 million contract through next season.

“It’s our debt,” Rodriguez said.  “We owe the game.  In many ways it’s our responsibility and privilege to pay it forward.”

Despite being back to work, Rodriguez is enjoying the beginning of his retirement and spending time with his family.

“I love taking my girls to school,” he said.  “I’m making more round trips with all these events.  I never knew how much driving Cynthia had to do.  It’s good to be more of a part of it right now.  They often tell me, ‘Dad, we’re glad you are home.'”

Rodriguez also announced he will return to the anchor desk for FOX during the Major League Baseball playoffs next month.

Excited to be back with @foxsports. Looking forward to the @MLB playoffs. pic.twitter.com/lHr8EbCH2f

— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) September 29, 2016

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New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect James Kaprielian is reportedly heading to Arizona to take part in this year’s Arizona Fall League.

After missing most of the season with an elbow injury, Kaprielian has been listed on the Arizona Fall League transactions page and is listed on the Scottsdale Scorpions’ roster page on the AFL website via MLB.com.  The Yankees have not officially announced the assignment.

RHP James Kaprielian added to @MLBazFallLeague Scottsdale roster. #Yankees' No. 9 prospect: https://t.co/OtO7aHjeax pic.twitter.com/f5Qg6NIBu0

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 24, 2016

“I’m pretty happy and excited with the progression we’ve made,” Kaprielian stated in an interview with Brendan Kuty last week.  “We’ve obviously taken our time with this and tried to deal with it smart.  The Yankees have done a really good job with handling me and the process and I feel good with where I’m at.”

Kaprielian will join fellow pitchers J.R. Feyereisen, Brody Koerner, and Dillon Tate.  Also on the roster representing the Yankees will be Greg Bird (shoulder surgery), Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, and Tyler Wade.

He was the Yankees top draft pick in the 2015 (16th overall) MLB June Amateur Draft.  In 2016 with High-A Tampa, the 22-year-old made just three starts.  He went 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA, 0.611 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts in 18 innings of work before hitting the disabled list.  He would not pitch again during the regular season or minor league playoffs.

On September 16, Kaprielian started facing live hitters again.  He threw a two-inning simulated game on September 20 and the team plans to start him this week if everything goes as planned.

The 32-game Arizona Fall League schedule begins on Tuesday, October 11.  It ends on November 17, culminating in a championship game set for Saturday, November 19.

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It was reported late Thursday afternoon that New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will miss his next scheduled start with a strain in his right flexor mass.

Masahiro Tanaka's next start will be skipped. MRI revealed small strain in right flexor mass, Joe Girardi said.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 22, 2016

Yankees manager Joe Girardi states he is confident the strain is a minor issue with hopes that Tanaka will be able to make his last start of the regular season.  He and pitching coach Larry Rothschild stressed the fact it has nothing to do with the right-hander’s elbow.

Tanaka is also confident he will make a return before season’s end, stating, “I should be able to come back strong (this season) so I’m not really worried.”

He made his 31st start of the season last night in Florida against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings of work, including four solo home-runs off of him in the third inning.  Tanaka has pitched very well for the Yankees in 2016.  On the season, he is 14-4 with a 3.07 ERA, 1.077 WHIP, and 165 strikeouts.

When asked who will start in place of Tanaka, the team was unsure.  Girardi responded with “Johnny Wholestaff?”  Time will tell who will start this coming Monday.

Stay tuned to Bronx Pinstripes for updates in regards to the team and Tanaka’s injury.

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The New York Yankees announced today that they will honor first baseman Mark Teixeira in a pregame ceremony on Sunday, October 2, 2016.

Today @yankees announced that they will honor 1B Mark Teixeira in a pregame ceremony on Sun., Oct. 2.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) September 19, 2016

The 36-year-old joined the Yankees as a free agent in 2009, signing an eight-year contract with the team.  He announced his plans to retire from the game in a press conference on August 5.  Teixeira has once again been troubled with the injury bug in 2016, dealing with issues in his neck and knee.

“This year my neck started bothering me.  I hurt my knee and I just kind of realized my body can’t do it anymore.  If I have to grind through season not being healthy, I’d rather be somewhere else.”

Currently on the season, Teixeira is hitting .198 with 12 home-runs and 37 RBI in 359 at-bats over 106 games.

In his eight seasons in the Bronx, he owns a slashline of .248/.343/.455 with 530 runs, 183 doubles, five triples, 203 home-runs, 615 RBI, and has earned three Gold Gloves (2009-10, 2012), a Silver Slugger (2009), and on two occasions was an American League All-Star (2009, 2015).

With 13 games remaining on the Yankees‘ 2016 regular season schedule, he stands with 406 career home-runs, 1,291 career RBI, and a career slashline of .268/.360/.509, and is fifth all-time in career home-runs as a switch hitter behind Carlos Beltran (419, still playing), Chipper Jones (468), Eddie Murray (504), and Mickey Mantle (536).

October 2 is the final game of the regular season for the Yankees as they host the Baltimore Orioles.

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New York Yankees 5 – Boston Red Sox 6

After losing the first two games of a four game set with the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees looked to bounce back sending Bryan Mitchell to the mound.  Pitching for the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon was left-hander David Price.

Boston gave New York an early scare with second baseman Dustin Pedroia driving one down the line deep, but foul.  In the second inning, Mookie Betts reached on a misplayed pop up to short, and Hanley Ramirez reached on a dribbler to third, giving the Red Sox runners at first and second with no outs.  Mitchell would pitch out of the jam, getting a pop out to short on Travis Shaw, a fly out to center by Sandy Leon, and striking out Jackie Bradley Jr.

The Yankees led off the third with a single to left center field by Austin Romine.  Romine would score from first on an RBI triple hit to the deepest part of Fenway Park in right center field, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead.  With two outs, catcher Gary Sanchez crushed a two-run home-run over the Green Monster, extending the lead to 3-0.  Starlin Castro would fly out to right field to end the inning.

Andrew Benintendi doubled, barely missing a home-run to dead center field to lead off the bottom half of the third inning.  Benintendi would tag up and advance to third on a line drive out to Rob Refsnyder in right field, and would score when Xander Bogaerts lined a double to the left center field wall.  With David Ortiz up to bat, Bogaerts advanced to third on a passed ball and scored on a ground out to Castro at second base.  Boston picked up two runs, leaving the Yankees with a 3-2 lead after three innings.

The Yankees did not hesitate getting those two runs back.  After back-to-back singles by Didi Gregorius and Chase Headley in the fourth inning, Romine would drive both players in on a double to left field.  The Red Sox would go down one, two, three in the bottom half.

With two outs in the fifth inning, Castro doubled on a line drive to center field, but pulled up as he ran into second base.  He would leave the game with what looks like a right hamstring injury.  Castro was replaced by Ronald Torreyes who would remain in the game defensively at second base.  Mark Teixeira replaced Billy Butler, batting fifth and playing first base as well.

After a walk to Jackie Bradley Jr. to lead off the inning, Bogaerts would hit a two-out home-run, bringing Boston back within one run of the Yankees.  Mitchell’s day was done following the home-run after 4.2 innings and was replaced by Luis Severino.  Mitchell allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits, walked one batter and struck out three.

Mason Williams replaced Refsnyder in right field when the Yankees took the field in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Hanley Ramirez led off the inning with a double to center field.  After two outs, Severino would pitch himself into a jam, loading the bases on back-to-back walks to Bradley Jr. and Benintendi.  He pitched to a full count against Pedroia, but on the seventh pitch of the at-bat, Pedroia was called out looking at a 99-mph fastball on the outside corner.

The Red Sox tied the game in the bottom of the seventh after a double and single by Bogaerts and Betts, respectively.  Ortiz advanced Bogaerts to third on a groundout before Betts drove him in.  Ramirez singled in the inning as well.  With Leon at the plate, Betts scored on a wild pitch by Adam Warren, giving the Red Sox a 6-5 lead.

Red Sox skipper John Farrell brought in closer Craig Kimbrel for the four out save after Gregorius walked with two outs in the eighth inning.

When the Yankees came out defensively in the eighth inning, Jacoby Ellsbury, who appeared to hurt his left knee crashing into the wall in the 7th inning, did not come onto the field.  Brett Gardner moved to center field and Tyler Austin came in left field.

The Yankees could not get anything going against Kimbrel as he struck out all four of the batters he faced.

Win – Matt Barnes (4-3)

Loss – Adam Warren (6-4)

Save – Craig Kimbrel (27)

Notables

New York Yankees

*Gary Sanchez – 1 for 4, R, HR (15, 3rd inning), 2 RBI (29)

*Austin Romine – 2 for 4, R, 2 RBI (24)

Boston Red Sox

*Xander Bogaerts – 3 for 4, 3 R, HR (20, 5th inning), 3 RBI (88)

*Mookie Betts – 2 for 4, R, RBI (106)

The post Yankees Game 148: Another heartbreaker as Yanks lose fourth straight appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Update – 4:10PM:

New York Yankees writer Bryan Hoch reports that the injury sustained to Starlin Castro in this afternoon’s game is a right hamstring strain and that he will undergo further testing.

Starlin Castro update: right hamstring strain. Will undergo further testing.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 17, 2016

Original post:

Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro left this afternoon’s game in Boston during the the fifth inning after pulling up as he ran out a double.  He favored his right leg in what appears to be a hamstring injury.

Manager Joe Girardi went out to speak with Castro and quickly, the decision was made that he was coming out of the game.

Castro is having a pretty good year for the Yankees.  He is hitting .273 with 21 home-runs and 69 RBI on the season.  Castro has been swinging the bat very well of late, adding six home-runs and 15 RBI with a slashline of .337/.346/.564 over the last 28 days.

He was replaced by Ronald Torreyes who would remain in the game defensively at second base.  Torreyes is hitting .280 with one home-run, nine RBI, seven doubles and three triples in limited work this season.

Stay tuned to Bronx Pinstripes for any updates on the status of Castro.

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New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders won their first International League Championship since 2008 on Friday night with a 3-1 series win over the Atlanta Braves Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves.  Scranton/Wilkes-Barre lost the first game of the series to Gwinnett before taking three straight to win the series.

#Champions pic.twitter.com/6IaZ4NaHII

— SWB RailRiders (@swbrailriders) September 17, 2016

The man who made the final out, outfielder Jake Cave, was named Most Valuable Player of the series.  Throughout the series, Cave went 4 for 13 from the plate.  He scored two runs and had three RBI on four hits including a double and home-run.

Here's video of the final out that gave the RailRiders the Governors' Cup championship. pic.twitter.com/Nibdhjbbi5

— Shane Hennigan (@ShaneHennigan15) September 17, 2016

The team boasted a few players with Major League experience in addition to Cave.  First baseman Chris Parmelee and right-hander Johnny Barbato, who have seen time in the Bronx this year were in the lineup, along with Pete Kozma and Donovan Solano helped fill the void left by a number of players who were no longer in Scranton.

That void is what’s most impressive with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s championship victory.  The fact that they have made it to the Triple-A National Championship game without players who brought them to that level all season speaks volumes about the talent and coaching on this club.  They were missing players such as Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge, and Tyler Austin who were called up to help the Yankees in August, top prospect Clint Frazier who hit the disabled list with a hamstring strain for a portion of the playoff run, and league MVP Ben Gamel who was dealt to the Seattle Mariners.

The RailRiders will take on the winners of the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A National Championship for the title. Currently, the El Paso Chihuahuas lead the Oklahoma City Dodgers two games to one in the best-of-five PCL finals.

The winner-take-all Triple-A National Championship game will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 8:05 PM EST.  The teams will play at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tennessee and the game will air on NBC Sports Network.

The post Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders win 2016 Governors’ Cup appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Update – 9/14/16, 9:15PM:

According to reports by Bryan Hoch, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has a Grade 2 right oblique strain and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Aaron Judge has a Grade 2 right oblique strain. He has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. #Yankees

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 15, 2016

Earlier today, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated he is not expecting the rookie right fielder to return this season; regular season that is.

“These things usually take a while, so we’ll get a better feel for it.  But regular season, I don’t see how that’s possible,” he said.

A stint on the 15-day DL basically hits the end of the season with the Yankees‘ final game coming on October 2 against the Baltimore Orioles.  If New York reaches the postseason it will be interesting to see if Judge returns or the team shuts him down until next season.

Original post:

Aaron Judge left tonight’s game in the fifth inning after suffering a right oblique strain as reported by the YES Network’s clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits.

Aaron Judge out w/ a right oblique strain #yankees

— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) September 14, 2016

Judge winced during a fourth inning at-bat where he swung at a pitch and fouled it off.  Judge was visited at the plate by a Yankees team trainer, but would finish the at-bat, drawing a walk.  He was forced out at second base to end the inning.  The 24-year-old slugged his fourth major league home-run on Monday night and was 0-for-1 with the walk on Tuesday.

Judge would not return to the game.  He was replaced in the fifth inning by Rob Refsnyder, who moved from left to right field. Brett Gardner moved to left from center field, and Jacoby Ellsbury came in to play center field.

It has been reported he will undergo an MRI tomorrow to determine the severity of the injury.

Stay tuned to Bronx Pinstripes for any updates.

The post Yankees to place Aaron Judge on 15-day DL with a right oblique strain appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Los Angeles Dodgers 2 – New York Yankees 0

In the rubber game in this Interleague match-up, the Dodgers sent their ace Clayton Kershaw to the mound, with Michael Pineda pitching for the Yankees.

Following four scoreless innings came the rain.  The skies opened up, handing the Bronx the night’s first rain delay of 12 minutes in the middle of the fourth inning.  Pineda would not return to the game after four innings of work.  He pitched well, only giving up two hits and two walks with five strikeouts, but had thrown 82 pitches in the short period of time.  He was replaced by Tommy Layne in the fifth inning.

After the next rain delay, this time 48 minutes in the middle of the fifth inning, the Yankees hoped to get something going with second baseman Starlin Castro reaching on a fielding error by Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and Chase Headley reaching on a single to left.  The two would advance on a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Didi Gregorius, but Kershaw would strikeout Rob Refsnyder and Austin Romine, both going down swinging.

Luis Severino would take over on the mound for the Yankees in the top of the sixth.  After a ground out by Corey Seager, Turner would single for Los Angeles, but the inning would come to a close on a double-play ball hit by Adrian Gonzalez.

New York would get two on base again in the seventh after a single by Castro and a walk by Headley, and Brett Gardner drew a walk in the eighth, but nothing came of it.  This would be the story of the night for the Yankees.  Brett Gardner would draw a walk in the eighth.  Castro again singled in the ninth, but they could not get any runs across the plate.

Yankees closer Dellin Betances would enter the game in the top of the ninth in an attempt to keep the score a 0-0 tie heading into the bottom half with a chance for a walk-off win.  That would not be the case.  Two errors would cost them the game.

The first error came on a line drive hit by Seager towards second base, which Castro misplayed.  Seager stole second base and scored when the next batter Turner doubled down the left field line.  Gonzalez would fly out to left field, advancing Turner to third.  He would score on a throwing error by Betances, trying to get Turner out on a routine play at home.

Aside from another single by Castro in the ninth, Dodgers closer Kanley Jansen struck out the side.

Win – Luis Avilan (2-0)

Loss – Dellin Betances (3-5)

Save – Kanley Jansen (44)

Notables

Los Angeles Dodgers

*Justin Turner – 2 for 3, R, RBI (82), BB

New York Yankees

*Starlin Castro – 2 for 4, two singles

*Chase Headley – 1 for 3, single, BB

The post Yankees Game 145: A pair of ninth inning errors lead to late loss in Bronx appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Last night following the New York Yankees‘ 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, shortstop Didi Gregorius tweeted about the game, as he normally does.

Sabathia was lights out last night, replaced on the mound by Adam Warren after 6.1 innings of shutout ball where he walked one, struck out seven, and allowed just three hits.  He received a hand from the Yankee Stadium crowd as he exited the field.

Looking further, there was an attached photo of Sabathia in Didi’s tweet:

#StartSpreadingTheNews Yankees Win great start by #CC and the Bullpen… #ellsbury and #TheKraken with the solo Hr!! pic.twitter.com/A65g8HuZrq

— Sir Didi Gregorius (@DidiG18) September 14, 2016

A new tradition has hit the Yankees clubhouse as they now have their own world championship title.  The championship belt is bestowed upon the game’s most valuable player, which last night, was without a shadow of a doubt the Yankees’ starting pitcher.

So what are we to call him or whoever else wears the NYY World Championship belt?  Current WWE World Championship holder AJ Styles has already claimed “The Face That Runs the Place” from John Cena, and last night on SmackDown Live came out with “The Champ That Runs the Camp.”

Have an interesting play on Styles’ titles for a Yankees player?  Let’s hear them!  Also, tell us who you think will be the next to hold the NYY World Championship title!

The post #AndNew New York Yankees World Champion, CC Sabathia! appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is unlikely to return this season from an oblique injury suffered in last night’s game against the Dodgers, as reported by Sweeny Murti of WFAN who also indicated the club is promoting outfielder Mason Williams to replace Judge in New York.

Mason Williams is being called up from AAA.
Aaron Judge likely done for season with the oblique strain suffered last night.

— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) September 14, 2016

Judge made his highly-anticipated major league debut on August 20 with the Yankees after posting a .270/.366/.489 line with 19 home-runs and 65 RBI with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Since joining the major league club, Judge has struggled, hitting just .179/.263/.345 with four home-runs and 10 RBI, striking out 42 times in 84 at-bats.  His early struggles aren’t much of a concern as you come to expect a adaptation period for the player.  He has also handled it like a veteran, remaining upbeat and poised.  It’s just unfortunate he cannot cash in on additional plate appearances this year.

This will be Williams’s second shot in the majors.  Last season he appeared in eight games, played pretty well, and hit .286 with one home-run, three RBI and three doubles.

This season, he has spent time with the Gulf Coast League Yankees East team, the Tampa Yankees, and most recently in Triple-A with a 31-game stint with the RailRiders where he hit .296/.313/.376 with eight doubles, a triple, and 23 RBI.

The team officially announced the move this afternoon.

ROSTER MOVE: The Yankees have recalled OF Mason Williams from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) September 14, 2016

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Former New York Yankees closer and Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera spoke highly on Monday in regards to the influx of youth that has hit the Bronx.

While players like Gary Sanchez, Tyler Austin, and Aaron Judge are catching the eyes of the fans and keeping the media talking, Rivera focused on the importance of having a veteran presence in the clubhouse.

In an article by Christian Red of the New York Daily News, Rivera had the following to say:

“The Yankees are doing great.  It’s fun to watch those boys.  I’m pulling for the guys.  Hopefully they do it,” he said.  “I’m telling you, it’s great to have those youngsters doing what they’re doing, but in the mix, you have the veterans, too.  It’s wonderful.  That’s the way it should be — the older need the young, and the young need the older.  There’s no way that you’re too young and you don’t need the older (players).  You need the experience of the older players, and you need the strength and power of the younger players.”

Selling at the trade deadline lowered the expectations for the Yankees for the remainder of the year, but since the arrival of Sanchez, Judge, and Austin, business has picked up in the Bronx.

Until the point the Baby Bombers joined the club, the team had a tough time scoring runs consistently with veteran players struggling.  Also, the Yankees have not been a good road team, just 33-37 with just about two weeks left in 2016.  Although a small sample size, they are 9-6 on the road since Sanchez joined the team on August 3 — joined by Judge and Austin on August 20.

Overall, the team is hitting better, scoring more runs and just came off a season-high seven game win-streak.

Sanchez has been the hottest of the group.  He is hitting .333/.411/.697 with 13 home-runs and 24 RBI in just 35 games, and won back-to-back AL Player of the Week honors.

With limited playing time, Austin is hitting .210/.258/.387 with three home-runs and seven RBI, including a walk-off home-run against the Rays last week for the Yankees’ fifth straight win.

Judge has struggled mightily in the early going, having 41 strikeouts in just 83 at-bats, and hitting just .181/.258/.349 with four home-runs and 10 RBI.  Despite his struggles, he is upbeat and seems poised, handling it like a veteran.

Entering play today, the Yankees are just two games back in the AL Wild Card race, and five games behind Boston for the AL East lead with a lot of meaningful ball to play.  While there may be some pressure with playoff hopes high, this club is young, confident, and aside from the veterans, have never been here before, so it will be interesting to see how everything pans out over the next two-and-a-half weeks.

The post Former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera excited about Baby Bombers appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Update: September 7, 1:00 PM

The New York Yankees have officially announced that they hace placed right-hander Chad Green on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to September 3.

ROSTER MOVE: The @Yankees placed RHP Chad Green on the 15-day
disabled list (retroactive to 9/3) with a right forearm tendon injury.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) September 7, 2016

While Green may not be able to pitch again this season, this is great news for both he and the Yankees as he will avoid Tommy John surgery.

It has been recommended by New York’s team doctor Christopher Ahmad that Green showed no damage to his UCL after using dye, and that he should begin rehab for his strained flexor tendon.

“I was hoping for the best and I guess you could consider this, like, the best of the worst-case scenario,” Green said in a report by Chad Jennings of Journal News.  “It’s a relief not having to have surgery.”

Green does not foresee any issues and expects to have a normal a normal off-season without any setbacks to be ready for spring training.

Update: September 4, 12:35 PM

The MRI to Yankees pitcher Chad Green brought a sigh of relief and somewhat encouraging news to the Bronx.

Green had a sprained UCL & strained flexor tendon. Will see Yankees team doctor Christopher Ahmad #yankees

— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) September 3, 2016

Green has a sprained UCL and strained flexor tendon, meaning the diagnosis does not require Green to schedule a surgery at the moment.  While it is very likely he will miss the remainder of the season, things could change early next week when he is examined again by Yankees team doctor, Christopher Ahmad.

“It’s obviously not what you want, but I think you wait until Dr. Ahmad sees him and if they decide to run some more tests when we get back,” stated manager Joe Girardi before Saturday night’s game in Baltimore.  “So, for the next couple of days, he’ll just undergo treatment, but whenever you hear that, you’re concerned.”

Girardi did not say who will replace Green in the Yankees‘ rotation.  It could be Luis Severino, who was recalled as part of the Yankees‘ September call-ups when MLB expanded rosters on September 1.  Severino has struggled in a starting role this season, going just 1-8 with a 7.05 ERA and 1.510 WHIP over 52.1 innings.

Girardi wants him as a strong bullpen option through the rest of the series against the Orioles, since they are chasing Baltimore for the last AL Wildcard spot.

“I do want to have Sevy available for these games because I do think they are important games,” he said.

Another option for the Yankees could be Bryan Mitchell.  Mitchell has only pitched 21 innings over six games due to a broken toe which he suffered in his final spring appearance.  In his last start, which was Friday night against the Buffalo Bisons, he allowed just one run on four hits with six strikeouts over 5.1 innings, throwing 91 pitches in the process.

Original post:

Friday night’s starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, Chad Green, was forced to leave the game during the second inning due to right elbow pain.

Before leaving the game, Green allowed four runs on five hits, with a pair of walks and three strikeouts in 1.2 innings of work.  Green is 2-3 with a 4.09 ERA with 49 strikeouts on the season.  He has pitched well for the Yankees since the MLB All-Star break and becoming a regular part of the rotation in August.

He will be evaluated and undergo further testing, but any mention of an elbow injury with a pitcher leaves the thought of Tommy John surgery on your mind.

Stay tuned to Bronx Pinstripes for updates on Green’s injury.

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