Series Preview: Series 28 vs. Mariners
Photo Via: USA TODAY SportsThe Yankees are off to Seattle as the first leg of a 6-game road trip to bring us to the All-Star break. After a sweep by the Red Sox, a crushing series loss against the Angels, and another brutal series loss against the Mets, the Bombers are up against it. The Yanks are 10.5 games out of first place and 5.5 games back from the Wild Card.
Yankees Record: 42-41
Mariners Record: 45-40
Season Series: 0-0
Lifetime Record: 245-182 (Yankees leading)
Game 1
Tuesday, July 6 — 10:10 pm — YES Network, ESPN
Probable Pitchers: Jameson Taillon - RHP (NYY) vs. Justus Sheffield - LHP (SEA)
Game Notes: The Yankees traded for Justus Sheffield in 2016 when Andrew Miller was sent to Cleveland at the deadline. After the 2018 season, the Yanks sent Sheffield to Seattle in the deal that brought James Paxton to New York. Now Sheffield and his 5.88 ERA will get the start against his former organization.
Jameson Taillon will start for the Yankees. Taillon has surrendered 14 home runs in 69.2 innings, leading to his 5.43 ERA on the season.
Game 2
Wednesday, July 7 — 10:10 pm — YES Network, MLB Network
Probable Pitchers: Domingo Germán - RHP (NYY) vs. Yusei Kikuchi - LHP (SEA)
Game Notes: Domingo Germán has been dreadful in his past three starts. His ERA has jumped up a run and a half to 4.50 in 2021. He has significant problems keeping the ball in the yard (15 homers allowed).
Yusei Kikuchi was named an All-Star for this season and he definitely deserves it. The lefty has been fantastic in 15 starts. He has a 3.18 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts in 93.1 innings.
Game 3
Thursday, July 8 — 4:10 pm — YES Network, MLB Network
Probable Pitchers: Jordan Montgomery - LHP (NYY) vs. Logan Gilbert - RHP (SEA)
Game Notes: Lefty Jordan Montgomery is having a very up-and-down season thus far. At times, it looks like he could be the number two starter the Yankees are looking for. At other times, he looks very hittable. In total, he has a 4.17 ERA and 3-3 record this season.
Logan Gilbert was promoted to the major leagues this season and his stuff plays. His first few starts were rough as he adjusted to the highest level of baseball, but he looks comfortable of late. Gilbert has a 4.10 ERA that is on its way down. He has 45 strikeouts in 41.2 innings.
Sluggers to Watch
Aaron Judge in Seattle. In 2017, he hit a ball so far in that stadium that it nearly left the building (I got to see it in person). Judge has been playing with some intensity recently. Without a doubt, I am expecting a huge series from 99.
Mitch Haniger has 35 extra-base hits this year, including 18 homers. He went hitless in the Mariners’ last series, which was against Texas, but he had 5 multi-hit games in the 6 before that series (also had a hit in the other game). He was plunked twice in the past two games, so he might be nicked up, but if he’s playing, he will be ready to hit.
Injury Report
RHP Luis Severino strained his groin (grade 2) while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He is now doing sprints and playing light catch and could return in late July or early August.
RHP Clarke Schmidt (elbow strain), RHP Corey Kluber (right shoulder strain), and CF Aaron Hicks (wrist surgery - out for season) are all out for the series.
OF Clint Frazier (vertigo) went on the 10-day injured list and is ineligible to return for this series.
LHP Zack Britton (strained hamstring) is on the 10-day injured list and is eligible to return during this series, which is very likely.
Schmidt recently threw all of his pitches in a bullpen session, but has not progressed to a rehab assignment yet. That could occur this week.
Kluber recently threw from 60 feet, but has not progressed to the point of mound work. He is expected to return in late August or early September.
The Mariners have the following players on the 10-day injured list who will not play this series:
RHP Justin Dunn (strained shoulder)
RHP Erik Swanson (strained groin)
The Mariners have the following players on the 60-day injured list who will not play in this series:
1B Evan White (strained hip flexor)
OF Kyle Lewis (torn meniscus)
UT Sam Haggerty (shoulder inflammation)
RHP Ljay Newsome (elbow inflammation)
LHP Nick Margevicius (thoracic outlet syndrome)
LHP James Paxton (Tommy John surgery)
RHP Ken Giles (Tommy John surgery)
RHP Andrés Muñoz (Tommy John surgery)
RHP Casey Sadler (shoulder inflammation)