Injuries and Uncertainty Surround Yankees’ Playoff Chances
The New York Yankees entered the 2022 season with high hopes of making another deep playoff run. However, a series of injuries and managerial uncertainty have taken a toll on the team, hindering their chances of securing a spot in the postseason. As the Yankees find themselves out of the American League wild-card race, questions loom over the future of manager Aaron Boone and possibly general manager Brian Cashman.
Injuries have plagued the Yankees throughout the season, starting with starter Frankie Montas’ shoulder surgery in February. Additionally, free-agent acquisition Carlos Rodon missed the first three months of the season due to arm and back issues. Despite these setbacks, the team remained in a strong playoff position until early June.
The turning point came when Aaron Judge suffered a toe injury after colliding with the wall at Dodger Stadium. Without their star player anchoring the lineup, the Yankees’ offense struggled to find consistency. Notably, key hitters such as Anthony Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton, and Josh Donaldson all saw their batting averages dip below .200. Although Judge returned in late July, the team continued to struggle, with injuries extending beyond the lineup to impact the pitching rotation.
As a result of Judge’s injury, the Yankees have faced a downward spiral, winning only 25 of their last 64 games and currently sitting nine games behind the final wild-card spot. While injuries have undoubtedly played a significant role in their struggles, attention has also shifted to how the team is constructed.
Criticism has been directed at Cashman for failing to adequately address the gap in left field after Andrew Benintendi’s departure. Aaron Hicks proved to be a disappointment throughout the season, eventually leading to his designation for assignment in June. Injuries to roster fill-ins like Harrison Bader further complicated matters, leaving the Yankees to rely on a rotation of journeymen outfielders.
While Cashman’s future with the team seems secure, with a recent contract extension, Boone might find himself on shaky ground as he enters the final year of his contract next season. Nevertheless, the problems facing the Yankees go beyond Boone’s managerial decisions.
The team’s emphasis on power hitting and home runs to generate offense may no longer align with the evolving nature of the game. Recent trends have shown a shift towards players with speed and athleticism. With several key players set to become free agents at the end of the season, including Luis Severino, Josh Donaldson, Frankie Montas, and Harrison Bader, roster changes are inevitable. However, with a weak free-agent class this winter, Cashman will need to make bold moves to address the team’s current shortcomings.
The Yankees face an uphill battle as they navigate an aging roster and their apparent reluctance to give young players a chance. The path to a successful future seems uncertain, and the lingering doubts around Boone’s contract and managerial decisions add to the overall uncertainty surrounding the team.
As the season comes to a close, it remains to be seen how the Yankees will recover from their setbacks. With the playoffs out of reach, the team must regroup and strategize for the upcoming offseason. With the potential for significant changes to the roster and a need for rejuvenation, the Yankees must carefully navigate the challenges ahead to regain their competitive edge.
