Yankees’ offensive surge comes at an opportune time
NEW YORK – Behind the bats of Starlin Castro and Jacoby Ellsbury, the New York Yankees downed the Seattle Mariners 10-1 in the final game of the series Sunday afternoon. For the fifth time in six games, the offense has scored six or more runs – and they have hit their stride at a very opportune time.
With Cleveland and Boston heading into New York for the next two series, the Yankees’ success hinges on the offense hitting the ball well. Now that the Bronx Bombers are back to full health, they are poised to have a huge September and make a postseason push.
Starlin Castro and Greg Bird made their presence felt in the series against the Mariners, as they combined to hit 8-for-15 with 5 RBI. Bird and Castro’s return means only good things for the Yankees, who haven’t had much production from their first and second base replacements.
Since moving to first base, Chase Headley has been stellar, but Bird’s lefty bat provides the Yankees with another option against right-handed pitching. As for Castro, the Yankees’ second baseman had been out since the end of July with a hamstring injury. Castro’s bat is one of the best in the entire lineup, as he is hitting over .300 on the season with 12 HR’s and 48 RBI.
Once Gary Sanchez drops the appeal of his suspension, Bird and Castro’s bats should be enough to get the Yankees through those four games. From top to bottom, the Yankees have a plethora of power in their lineup and will be boosted even more once Matt Holliday returns from his injury.
The seven game homestand kicks off tonight with Luis Severino squaring off against Corey Kluber.