Bronx Bomber Ball

The Yankees struck a deal just before the August 31 waiver trade deadline after they acquired Erik Kratz from the Indians for cash considerations. The trade is in response to the Yankees preparing for a few games without Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine due to the brawl in Detroit. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The magnitude of this series just got kicked up a notch. After getting within two and a half games of the division, the Yankees are now fresh off a sweep at the hands on the Cleveland Indians and looking up at a five and a half game hole in the division and a slim one game lead in the first wild card spot. As cliché as it is to say this is a “make or break” series, it truly is, as the Yankees are running out of games to lose. What is fortunate for the Yankees is that they have slated their better pitchers to go toe to toe with the Red Sox staff.

Yankees' bats silenced by Indians' pitching as they drop game one 2-1 The New York Yankees went into   Wednesday ’ s   double header with hopes to even up the series with the Cleveland Indians. Yankees pitcher Jaime Garcia went into the game looking for his first win in pinstripes, while Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer went for his 14th win of the season. It was the second game that Yankees Manager Joe Girardi gave Aaron Judge the night off (that is until the ninth, which will be addressed later), and it almost seemed his struggles had rubbed off on every other player in pinstripes. Needless to say, Garcia is still searching for that win.  Photo Credit: AP

Per Donnie Collins of The Scranton Times-Tribune, Jordan Montgomery has been scratched from his scheduled start with Triple-A Scranton tonight and is on his way to the Bronx to start for the Yankees tomorrow. We found out a short time ago that tonight’s game has been rained out and will be made up as part of a double header tomorrow. Joe Girardi confirmed to the media that Montgomery will be taking game two and tonight’s scheduled starter, Jaime Garcia will take the first one. For the 2017 season Montgomery has a 7-6 record with a 4.00 ERA in 126 IP. He has been very solid for the team in his rookie season but was replaced by Garcia after the deadline in an effort to monitor his innings down the stretch. A corresponding roster move has not yet been announced, but it is likely he will be the 26th man added to the team per normal doubleheader rules. Credit: Paul J. Bereswill

The Yankees failed to pick up ground in the division on Monday night as their bats were silenced by the Indians’ ace, Corey Kluber, over eight innings of work. Luis Severino pitched well, but was ultimately hurt by the long ball as he allowed three solo home runs in his 6.2 innings of work. The bullpen did not pitch very well to keep the game close for the struggling offense, and Gary Sanchez had a couple balls go by, which resulted in eventual boo’s in the ninth inning. Photo Credit: AP | Bill Kostroun

This past weekend was one to remember, as it was Players Weekend all around Major League Baseball. Players from every team wore their uniforms with character and had a whole lot of fun doing so. Each team created a custom jersey that each player would wear. It was then up to the players to wear whatever cleats, wrist bands, socks and other accessories that they wanted. This was the first time the MLB had allowed such a thing to happen, so it was definitely an entertaining, unique experience for the players. Photo Credit: AP

The Yankees enter this series just 2.5 games out of the division lead, having won their last two series, taking two out of three from the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners. The offense has been inconsistent as ever as of late, rotating between moments of run scoring explosions to innings on end of mediocrity. With the returns of Greg Bird and Starlin Castro this past weekend, the Bombers will hope to make a push for the division as the race for October heats up. A pivotal four game series against the Red Sox in the Bronx soon awaits the Yankees, but first they must do all they can to defeat the first place Cleveland Indians, who have been bitten by the injury bug as of late, presenting the Bombers with a prime opportunity to capitalize.

The Bombers came into this game hoping to build on yesterdays victory to secure a series win going into the Cleveland series. Masahiro Tanaka came out for another day game, the starter has struggled in day games, sporting an 11 ERA in seven day game starts this year. With Boston getting shellacked by Baltimore the night before, the Yank's win put them only 3.5 games behind the division lead entering today’s game. It would be a sloppy and overall odd game, but the luck was on New York’s side, as impressive outings by Starlin Castro, Jacoby Ellsbury, Ronald Torreyes, and Masahiro Tanaka would be enough to give the Yankees the win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The Yankees won Greg Bird’s return game on the back of Sonny Gray and Jacoby Ellsbury. Sonny Gray threw seven innings of one run baseball, and Jacoby Ellsbury had four RBI’s including a three-run home run. Late defensive blunders led the Mariners to make the game close at the end, but the Yankees provided enough runs for a 6-3 victory in the Bronx. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger | AP

Following Friday night's tough loss against Seattle, the Yankees announced that 1B/OF Tyler Austin was being optioned to Triple-A Scranton. The corresponding move was confirmed by Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager Al Pedrique that Greg Bird would return to the Bronx, and could be in the lineup on Saturday. Photo Credit: Rick Schultz | AP

The Yankees entered tonight’s series opener with the Seattle Mariners fresh off a chippy series win in Detroit this week. After a number of suspensions and fines, the Yankees came in ready to play, sporting nickname-themed jerseys as a part of MLB’s promotional Player’s weekend. In a pitcher’s duel, the Mariners were able to come out on top in 11 innings with a go-ahead homer by Yonder Alonso off Aroldis   “The Missile”  Chapman to propel Seattle to a 2-1 win. Photo Credit: Frank Franklin II | AP

The Yankees fought their way out of Detroit with a series win and now head back to the Bronx to face Seattle. The Bombers are trotting out three of their better pitchers and need them to perform at their best if they want to come out of this series with a win. This is also MLB Players Weekend, the first time the Yankees will play without their pinstripes at home and will have nicknames on the back of their jerseys ever. I will give you some very biased opinions and ratings of the nicknames of the New York players mentioned in this preview.

Wow. On what seemed to be just another afternoon game in Detroit turned out to be one of if not the craziest game in 2017. There were eight total ejections and three bench clearings including the notorious Miguel Cabrera fight versus the Yankee catcher duo of Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez. With a plethora of suspensions and fines likely on the way, there is one player in particular who should not have to miss a game under any circumstances, Dellin Betances. Photo Credit: AP 

The Yankees were red hot, coming into the series finale winning the first two games by scores of 13-4 and 10-2 respectively. With the Yankees looking for the sweep, the Tigers weren’t going to allow another blow out. The Tigers sent out their ace Michael Fulmer to the mound to take on Jaime Garcia. Garcia has been rather consistent for the Yankees since coming over from the Minnesota Twins, but with Fulmer on the mound he had to be on top of his game. The scoring would be back in forth for most of the game, but much like the scoring, both teams went at each other three times with benches clearing brawls, involving countless ejections. Unfortunately for the Yankees, more players on their side were forced to leave. This game would be known as a slugfest for more ways than one, with a final score of 10-6 Detroit Tigers. Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus | Getty Images

The Yankees offense was able to stay hot in yet another blowout win, 10-2 over the Tigers to take the first two games of the series. Gary Sanchez stayed red hot in the win going 2-5 with a HR and three RBIs. The Yankees ace, Luis Severino, did not disappoint either, turning it yet another quality outing. Photo Credit: Duane Burleson/AP

Per ESPN, Greg Bird will play rehab games tonight and Thursday night and the team will reevaluate him after that. If all goes well, Bird could rejoin the team and be in the lineup this Friday against Seattle. Photo Credit: NY Post

After a disappointing series loss in Boston, the Yankees came to Detroit hoping to get back on their feet and reassure themselves and their fans that they are still a playoff team. The team did this and more on Tuesday as they erupted for 13 runs and 16 hits. Sanchez led the charge with two home runs and four RBIs. Masahiro Tanaka came off of the disabled list and tossed a solid outing and best of all Aaron Judge’s strikeout streak finally came to an end. Photo Credit: AP Photo|Carlos Osorio

The Wild Card leading Yankees will head to Comerica Park Tuesday for a three-game matchup against the mediocre Detroit Tigers following their series loss to the Boston Red Sox. The series featured many highs and lows for the Yankees pitching staff, as they took on a potent Boston offense which has been on fire recently. Thankfully, the Tigers offense won’t be as much of a challenge to pitch against this series, as they are currently sitting at a measly 54-69 and are 1-5 in their last six games. With a lackluster opponent waiting, the Yankees should solidify their postseason spot and possibly gain a few games on the Red Sox if they drop a game or two against the AL Central leading Cleveland Indians.

On September 1, rosters expand from the normal 25-man limit to the entirety of a team’s 40-man roster. A team normally filled with established veterans, the Yankees are now infused with youth and are starting to feel the toll of a 162-game season. The Yankees remained relatively healthy throughout the first-half of the season, but have been bit with the injury bug in the second-half, and the team would certain accept with open arms a few reinforcements to rest regulars and help the team down the stretch.  Photo Credit: MILB.com

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Following a very disappointing series in Boston, the Yankees find themselves five games back in the division and re-evaluating their team as a whole. Most noticeable, what to do with Aaron Judge? Photo Credit: NESN

The Yankees are said to have one of the best bullpens in baseball. With names like Chapman, Betances, Robertson, Warren and Kahnle, the rest of the platoon in the bullpen is often overlooked. One guy that has really stood out from the rest is right-hander, Chad Green. Green, who made his Major League debut just last year at the age of 24, struggled in his first season with the Yankees. With a 2-4 record and a 4.73 ERA in 2016, Green was hoping to bounce back in a huge way in 2017 and he has immensely exceeded expectations thus far. Photo Credit: NY Daily News With about six weeks left in the 2017 season and the Yankees fighting for a playoff spot, Green is expected to continue to help the Yankees in a huge way. So far, he has posted a 2-0 record with a 2.25 ERA in 45.2 innings. The Yankees bullpen was struggling for a majority of the season but Chad Green has been that one guy that skipper Joe Girardi could always count on. Throughout the season, Girardi has gained more and mo

Coming into today’s game, the Yankees sat four games back of the AL East division lead, making this matchup very important. The pitching matchup had Sonny Gray on the mound for the Yanks, and the reigning CY Young winner in Rick Porcello on the mound for the Red Sox. Sonny Gray did not have his best stuff, but kept the Yankees in the game, however, Rick Porcello and the Red Sox bullpen kept the Yankees offense quiet other than a solo home run courtesy of Brett Gardner. Photo Credit: Steven Senne | AP

Following last night’s back and forth affair which saw the Yankees fall short against the Red Sox in a three-run loss, the Yankees looked to bounce back and attempt to make up some ground in the AL East, as well as try and reinforce their lead on the first wild card spot. CC Sabathia took up the mound for the Bombers in this matchup, with the daunting Chris Sale on the hill for the Sox. Thanks to a huge performance from Tyler Austin and a solid pitching outing from Sabathia, the Yankees were able to take this one from the AL Cy Young hopeful and the Sox. ADAM GLANZMAN/GETTY IMAGES

Coming off a four game sweep of that team from Queens, the Yankees traveled to Boston looking to gain some ground in the division race. The forecast was ominous, calling for a deluge by game time, but the skies would hold enough for the game to be played. The Bombers would get hot late, but a six run bullpen explosion in the seventh and eighth innings would put the Red Sox division lead to five. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

The Yankees have suffered numerous injuries to key players this season. Fortunately, the Bombers were able to compensate for many of these injuries by making key additions at the trade deadline. Now, a number of these injured Yankees are working their way back from the disabled list. With reinforcements on the way, the Yankees hope to have as many healthy bodies as possible as they ready themselves for the grind that is known as September, the implications for the playoff run being substantial. Photo Credit: Charles/LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

With the news of Giancarlo Stanton clearing waivers and being available for a trade and the transition in team ownership in Miami, there has been a surplus of speculation of who could be a potential suitor for the fearsome slugger. The Yankees are one team that has not only the money to take on a massive contract like Stanton's but the prospects the Marlins may covet in a deal, which has resulted them in being a possible trade partner with Miami. While the likelihood of a Stanton trade in August is extremely slim, he could be available in the offseason. Two of our staff writers, Spencer Schultz and Noah Clement, have differing opinions on whether or not the team should pursue Stanton. Here is what they have to say: Photo Credit: Lynne Sladky/AP

The best rivalry in sports battle again this weekend in Boston. In their last meeting, both teams stole a late lead from each other, but none more heart crushing than the Sunday blown save by closer Aroldis Chapman. After a four game sweep against the Mets, the team looks to regain ground on their rivals in the division race. This set will end the much hyped “Rivalry Week,” for the Yankees, as the next time these two teams meet will be the last day of August back in New York. With only seven matchups left, each one of these games will be crucial for both clubs.

After securing a series win in yesterday’s contest, the Yankees successfully swept the Mets in the four game Subway Series with a 7-5 victory. Luis Severino pitched extremely well up, until the seventh inning, and his offense had his back. Gary Sanchez led the team with five RBIs, followed by Gardner with two of his own. Bryan Mitchell struggled mightily in the ninth as he allowed a grand slam to Curtis Granderson, but Dellin Betances came in and shut the door. Photo Credit: Frank Franklin II | AP

It was leaked on Twitter that Tyler Austin was on the move, when there were multiple reports about his cleaned-out locker and absence from the Triple-A lineup card. A short time after, it was revealed that he was heading to Citi Field to join the Yankees. The corresponding move was the placement of Garrett Cooper on the 10-day disabled list with what is being labeled as “hamstring tendonitis.” Photo Credit: Getty Images It is not yet known when the pain started for Cooper, but nevertheless, it must have concerned the Yankees enough to have to put him on the disabled list. Cooper was playing well before his injury as he was hitting .326 with six extra base-hits in only 43 at-bats. Austin is fresh off the disabled list for the second time this season, but has not played well in limited MLB action in 2017 as he is slashing .154/.200/.385 in four games this season. However, in 158 Minor League at-bats, Austin is slashing .304/.369/.563, which shows that the offensive talent is

It seems too cliché to hear “the bullpen is full of unsung heroes”, especially when you have such a dominant and star-powered bullpen as the Yankees do. However, there does appear to be an unsung hero, one who has been arguably been the most consistent and reliable guy all season. That guy would be Chad Green. Photo Credit: AP

The Yankees survived a near Aroldis Chapman meltdown last night to take both games in the Bronx vs the Mets, as the split Subway series was in Flushing on Wednesday night for two games before another series vs the Red Sox. Jaime Garcia was making his third start as a Yankee, and gave them a solid performance, pitching into the sixth inning. Garcia would find trouble in the sixth, but would be picked up by the Yankee bullpen, which was dominant once again as the Yankees beat the Mets on the road 5-3. Photo Credit: AP Frank Franklin II

DISCLAIMER : This article was written prior to any official announcements regarding the health of Aroldis Chapman, or news of any potential DL stint. Following Aroldis Chapman's most recent hiccup against the Red Sox, I did not want to write an impulsive article calling for his removal from the closer's role. After tonight's near loss to the Mets, I'm ready to make that declaration. Prior to the start of the 2017 season, the Yankees made Chapman the highest paid reliever in baseball history. As of now, in mid-August, Chapman is the fifth best reliever on the team. This is unacceptable for a closer, a position that requires pitching in high leverage situations. Chapman's ego is irrelevant. He is not getting the job done, so he should not be allowed to continue losing games for the Bombers in the midst of a contentious playoff race. Photo Credit: Paul J. Bereswill/New York Post

After a series opening win against the Mets Monday night in the Bronx, the Yankees were back in action Tuesday night. Sonny Gray (6-7, 3.39 ERA) got the start and pitched into the seventh inning. After allowing only two runs, Gray and the Bombers offense were able to get a 5-2 victory over the Mets, Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. AP Photo/ Frank Franklin II

The Yankees first baseman Greg Bird will start his rehab assignment in Triple-A Scranton tomorrow night (Aug. 16), and expects to get back to the Bronx next week. He will play five innings tomorrow and will increase his play by then in hopes of returning by the end of this month. Bird has played 19 games this season and has been out since May 1 with a broken bone in his foot.

After last night’s start, Luis Cessa has been placed on the 10-day DL with a ribcage injury. The corresponding move is calling up left-hander Caleb Smith, who was sent down in favor of Cessa earlier this week. Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported earlier today that Blue Jays’ RHP Marco Estrada was claimed off of revocable waivers by an unnamed American League East team. While the team was never officially named, a source told the Blue Jay’s BP Toronto that odds are the Yankees were the team that in fact claimed Estrada. Photo Credit: USA Today  It would make sense that the Yankees claimed a starting pitcher with their current injury situation, but the same source that identified the Yankees as the likely culprit of the claim, also believes that the claim was more of a block move to prevent another team from claiming Estrada. Houston and other AL rivals are reportedly looking to add pitching, so it makes sense why the Yankees would not want another team to claim a player that has had success against them in the past. There seems to be no exchange of possible packages between the Blue Jays and this “mystery AL East team,” so likely nothing will come out of the claim. Estrada, 34,