Gerrit Cole allowed back-to-back-to-back home runs to start Sunday's series finale against the Padres. Chris McMonigle sounds off on Cole's rocky start, the offense struggling against Michael King, and the wasted opportunity to gain a game on the Rays. Plus, are the Red Sox right back in the mix for the top Wild Card spot? C-Mac also touches on Trent Grisham's injury, Aaron Judge's looming return, and much more.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Yankees lose the series to the Padres and fall four games behind the Rays. A look at the upcoming schedule and the math required to close the gap in the division.
5:00 - Analysis of the Yankees' urgency and overall bullpen management. The offense continues its frustrating trend of getting leadoff runners on base but failing to deliver clutch hits when needed.
15:30 - Trent Grisham suffers a grade two hamstring strain. With Grisham sidelined, Spencer Jones is firmly cemented as the starting center fielder.
23:00 - Game 1 late-inning breakdown. Will Warren pitches well out of the bullpen, but Aaron Boone is questioned for pitching Paul Blackburn instead of closer David Bednar in a crucial tied game. Boone is also heavily criticized for failing to challenge an out call when Spencer Jones attempted to steal third base in the 10th inning.
36:00 - A discussion on managing the bullpen down the stretch as Clarke Schmidt prepares to return.
46:00 - Gerrit Cole gives up three first-inning home runs to Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth, and Manny Machado. Cole settles down to pitch into the seventh, prompting a discussion on why it is more concerning when he loses his effectiveness suddenly mid-game rather than starting poorly.
1:03:00 - A minor league update on Anthony Volpe, who hit five home runs in his last five Triple-A games.
1:07:00 - Aaron Judge's return strategy and why there is no set number of at-bats he needs to feel comfortable. The episode wraps up with fan comments, addressing why the Yankees should not fear the Red Sox catching them in the standings and the absolute necessity of sweeping the upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies.
