COBBLING TOGETHER LINEUPS & WINS TO STAY AFLOAT

Source: Twitter

What a crazy series in Kansas City. Amidst soaring temperatures, long games, trips to the IL and new guys in the lineup, the Yankees have proven that anything can happen. And that means they need to "Grit it out" as Yankee announcer Ryan Ruocco shared at the opening of Tuesday night's game against the Royals. Aaron Boone also stated to reporters that “You’ve got to roll,” when asked about the long list of positive cases of COVID-19. Cobbling together lineups and wins are keeping this team afloat.

Source: Vincent Carchietta/USA Today Sports, via Reuters

"While most of the Yankees’ positive tests have been so-called breakthrough cases in which a person tests positive despite being fully vaccinated, (Anthony) Rizzo’s vaccination status was unclear. In June, as a member of the Chicago Cubs, he told reporters he was not yet vaccinated, saying he was “taking some more time to see the data” in what he described as a “difficult decision,” reported The New York Times.

Source: New York Daily News

This and other Yankees on the IL have given other Yankees an opportunity to lead and play positions that they are not accustomed. Although Giancarlo Stanton was groomed an outfielder he has only had five starts out there this season, most coming more recently. Rougned Odor is a second baseman playing third as Gio Urshela recovers from the virus. And with Gleyber Torres out with a sore thumb, the Yankees have brought up Andrew Velazquez to make his debut in grand style. Then there is Luke Voit, who is making things interesting with Rizzo out for an undetermined time. 

But here's the thing, this cobbling that is happening right now will soon be a distant memory. Take a look at the stacked lineup the Bombers will have once the team recovers. 

1. DJ LeMahieu, 2B

2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B

3. Aaron Judge, RF

4. Giancarlo Stanton, DH

5. Joey Gallo, LF

6. Gleyber Torres, SS

7. Gary Sanchez, C

8. Gio Urshela, 3B

9. Brett Gardner, CF

A lineup that NJ.com calls out with glee: "Can you find many more accomplished top five hitters in any lineup in the sport?" Then there is the starting rotation which not only will bring back Gerrit Cole but likely Luis Severino and Cory Kluber. 

So September is shaping up to be an amazing month if the Yankees can continue to cobble together lineups and wins to keep the engines running through the dog days of summer. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof