The New York Yankees, who have faced a lot of negative attention recently, are beginning to turn things around with a five-game winning streak. They completed a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, largely due to improved performances from players other than Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
Outfielder Alex Verdugo commented on the shift in clubhouse morale in an interview with YES Network.
“Yeah, there is a bit of a different feeling, but not drastically,” Verdugo said. “Inside the clubhouse, we’re confident in our team and in each other. We knew it was just a matter of time before we started getting out of our slump and getting contributions from everyone. The key players, like Judge and Soto, have been consistent all season.”
Judge and Soto, the team’s star players, have been exceptional even as the rest of the team struggled. Judge had batting averages of .409 and .333 in June and July, respectively, while Soto posted .275 and .330 averages.
Verdugo, who had been struggling with a .219 and .220 average during that time, has recently hit in seven of his last eight games.
“For me, the main thing was staying focused and playing to my strengths, like using the opposite field,” Verdugo explained. “We’re feeling better now, just trying to stay relaxed at the plate and let the big hitters do their thing.”
With New York now on a five-game winning streak and tied for the most wins in MLB at 65 with the Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles, and Phillies, the team seems to be rediscovering its form. Despite a 25-26 record over the last 51 games, the Yankees were the top team in baseball until mid-June. They have the foundation to regain their previous success even during tough times.
Verdugo added, “It’s about the hard work, preparation, and trusting in ourselves. Results will follow if we stay focused. Jazz’s arrival has been a big boost for us. At this point in the season, it’s important to put aside personal pride and do whatever it takes to win.”
DJ LeMahieu, who drove in a career-high six runs in Wednesday’s 6-5 win, might be a key factor in pushing the team further. Although he’s hitting only .182 for the season, he feels optimistic after his standout performance, as reported by The New York Post’s Dan Martin.
“It’s been a tough year for me,” LeMahieu said. “But today felt really good.”
When players beyond the “big guys” start performing consistently, the Yankees become a formidable team.
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