The Yankees are rolling with a 10-game winning streak, are now 21 games over .500 and are suddenly on pace to win 95 games this season.
They didn’t arrive at that pace in the manner in which many expected, but with a stout starting rotation and an improved, balanced lineup, the Yanks have overcome months of underperformance and are now the hottest team in baseball.
“It feels great,” Gary Sanchez said through his interpreter. “That’s what I like. I like winning. We like winning. Winning is fun. When guys have an opportunity to be in the lineup and are contributing, it’s great. That’s what we like to do. We like to contribute whenever we have a chance and whenever we’re in the lineup.”
Those widespread contributions are what the Yankees believe is behind their current surge, which has them winners of 17 of their last 20 games. Andrew Velazquez has slid into a regular shortstop role with Gleyber Torres on the IL, and ripped another extra-base hit on Monday night. Rougned Odor, who was brought on at the beginning of the season in a deal that didn’t seem to move the needle, has continued to be a reliable bat as he fills in for Gio Urshela at third base.
The pitching staff as a whole, from Gerrit Cole to Jordan Montgomery and the resurgence of Jameson Taillon and the unexpected hot start for Luis Gil, has kept the team in games, winning more games decided by one or two runs than anyone else in the league.
Aaron Boone’s group is seemingly delivering whenever it’s needed, and from wherever on the roster.
“What’s been nice about it is it’s been the entire roster,” Boone said. “All 26 guys in there are having big hands in helping us win ballgames, and that’s a fun thing to be a part of.
“I think it’s great. I think it helps build some, whether it’s energy or camaraderie, knowing guy one through 26 is going to be counted on, and chances are maybe in a big spot. Everyone’s coming with a focus of ‘do your job, get ready for a game, get ready for a situation,’ and I feel like guys are locked in with that mindset of ‘what can I do to help us win a ballgame today?’”
Giancarlo Stanton has been one of the hottest bats in the lineup since getting back into the outfield to help get more at-bats for other contributors, like Luke Voit, who has been on fire since returning from his latest IL stint. Aaron Judge continues his elite season, while Joey Gallo made a big play in the outfield to go along with his two walks and two runs scored, upping his season OPS to .828. Even when the likes of Anthony Rizzo are struggling, as he did on Monday with an 0-for-5 night, the rest of the lineup has stepped in to carry the load, which was hardly the case over the first three months of the season.
The Yankees have hitters prolific enough to carry a team, but in this recent hot streak, it hasn’t been necessary. It’s been a group effort, which to the team feels all the more satisfying.
“It’s awesome,” Stanton said. “Who’s gonna do it each night? It’s not all relying on one guy. When we’re feeding off each other like that, we just gotta keep pushing and keep this going.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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