It was the first Yankees’ no-hitter in 21 years. And it is utterly irrelevant.
Corey Kluber tossed a no-hitter against the Rangers Wednesday, the seventh of the MLB season (counting Madison Bumgarner’s 7-inning effort). The achievement is a great individual story. Entering this season, Kluber basically hadn’t pitched in two years, only tossing one inning after getting hit in his arm with a line drive on May 1, 2019.
But in the grand scheme of things, Kluber’s no-no is indicative of MLB’s biggest problem: The game has turned into an all-or-nothing affair. When Tigers pitched Spencer Turnball blanked the Mariners on Tuesday, their team batting average dipped below the Mendoza Line. It was the second time in 13 days they were no-hit.
Heading into Wednesday, the league’s batting average was .236, the lowest mark of all-time. That’s right, there’s even less offense now than in 1968 campaign, when MLB lowered the pitcher's mound.
The list of pitchers who have thrown no-hitters is filled with mediocrity: Joe Musgrove, Carlos Rodon, John Means, Turnball, Wade Miley (yes, that Wade Miley). While Kluber is enjoying a strong comeback campaign, he’s far from the Cy Young winner he once was.
One of the Red Sox’s best qualities is their relative proclivity to put the ball in play. They have the second highest batting average in the league and the fourth fewest walks. Not long ago, that would’ve been a shameful anecdote. But now it’s kind of a badge of honor. The Red Sox are second in the league in runs scored. They’re getting guys across the plate with contact.
With the Red Sox leading the division, this promises to be our first enjoyable baseball season in three years. The Red Sox’s first clash with the Yankees at the start of June could be the start of a memorable pennant race. After a rough beginning, the Yankees are right back in the race, only 1.5 games out.
But when the story of their season is written, Kluber’s effort will probably be a footnote. It’s always amusing when pinstripes triumph is viewed with apathy.