New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon told reporters his thumb “feels the same as yesterday” before Thursday’s series finale against the Orioles, a tough update for a team riding a three-game win streak but navigating a prolonged offensive slump. McMahon’s status adds another layer of concern for the Bronx Bombers, who find themselves at 71-55, holding the first AL Wild Card spot and the No. 4 seed for the time being, all while chasing the Tampa Bay Rays, who are four and a half games ahead in the AL East.
The Play That Could Cost Them
This whole mess started Wednesday in the top of the second inning. McMahon, hustling like he always does, overslid second base trying to stretch a single into a double. He jammed his left thumb into the bag, hard, and was tagged out. Talk about a brutal break! He stayed in the game for a long time, all the way until the top of the eighth, when José Caballero pinch-hit for him in a tight 3-3 game. And get this: Caballero took a hit-by-pitch, keeping the rally alive, and the Yankees ended up scoring two runs to take a 5-3 lead. That’s the kind of gritty play you need, but you never want it to come at the cost of one of your guys. The Yankees have been winning with just enough offense lately, so losing any part of their lineup, even with a prolonged slump, is a blow.
What McMahon’s Status Means for the Lineup
So what does “feels the same as yesterday” really mean? It means it’s not better, plain and simple. Erik Boland of Newsday Sports mentioned McMahon will get another scan on Friday, but he *could* be available off the bench for Thursday’s game. Tonight, it’s José Caballero stepping in at third base, batting ninth, tasked with facing a tough right-hander in Kyle Bradish. McMahon’s season numbers aren’t exactly blowing anyone away, with a slash line of .216/.282/.367 (.649 OPS), 10 home runs, and 32 RBIs across 106 games. He’s definitely fared better against righties with a .693 OPS compared to a .462 against left-handers, and his defense at third has been solid with four outs above average. Even recently, in an August 11 showdown against our very own Seattle Mariners, McMahon delivered a two-run single that must have stung our guys at Yankee Stadium. They need his bat, especially against righties, and his glove.
The Yankees are looking for a sweep in Baltimore tonight, sending Gerrit Cole to the mound, who’s been having a great season after coming back from Tommy John Surgery. With McMahon’s thumb up in the air, you gotta wonder if this injury will impact their momentum as they fight to hold onto that Wild Card spot and maybe, just maybe, close the gap on the Rays. All eyes will be on that scan Friday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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