The New York Yankees are showing an incredible level in this initial stretch of the 2022 Major League season. With a colossal record of 24 wins and only 8 losses, they command not only the East Division of the American League, but also the general ranking of all Major Leagues.
Only in these last 2 days have they managed to carve out a total of 25 clean runs in their 2 wins to open the weekend series against the Chicago White Sox. On Thursday they were beaten by a 15×7 board and yesterday 10×4, giving a real class of offensive power.
For the first time in a long time, the Big Apple squad shows signs of having a successful cycle by showing that it can hit in abundance and limit the opponent’s bats through efficient pitching.
However, so much good news also has its negative side, since not all players, no matter how good they offer or how much they promise, can belong to the roster that is getting smaller and smaller.
Just a few days ago the MLB ordered all the teams to reduce their payrolls from 28 to 26 men, which broke the heads of more than one management. Such is the case of these Yankees who do not want to loosen up, but at the same time do not want to lose the contribution of any of their elements.
The receiving problem
One of the positions where the Bombers are still debating between several candidates to occupy the place is catcher, a position in which José Treviño and Kyle Higashioka have settled and to which Ben Rortvedt will soon be added as a third option. Hence the big question arises: Which catcher will the Bronx Mules sacrifice?
different possibilities
The Pinstripes’ entry plan after Gary Sanchez’s departure was for Higashioka to be their starting mask. However, his poor performance with the wood (.170 / .224 / .226 offensive line in 20 games) gave Treviño a golden opportunity that he did not miss.
Although he hits a similar line to his colleague (.178/.229/.200), his interaction with pitchers and his defense have been so good that he has posted the same number of games as Kyle so far.
Now, the poor performance in the batter’s box of both opens a window for Rortvedt, who with producing a little would put manager Aaron Boone in serious trouble. But will they give him the chance? Higashioka has no options left to go to minors and lowering Treviño is getting rid of the one who has been “better” among the 2.
Difficult decision that must be made in the offices of Yankee Stadium. No one would want to be in the shoes of New York bosses.
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