Happy Friday everybody, and welcome to another Bronx Breakdown. We’re headed for another matchup with the Red Sox, so this afternoon feels like a good time to look back at the team’s previous stretch of games. Since our last report the Yankees took two of three from the Guardians, dropped two of the three to the Red Sox, and swept the Royals. This week was interesting from a few different perspectives, especially when it comes to the outlook for the trade deadline and how the Yankees improve from here. Let’s get into it!

The Good

Wells Works it Out: There is hot, and then there is Austin Wells, who is on fire right now at the plate. In his last 15 games number 28 is hitting .288, with three home runs and 14 RBI’s. He had been cold for a while, but this hot stretch is well timed as the Yankees big bats have needed some backup offensively. His overall numbers are really starting to look good, as he now has 11 homers and 42 RBI’s, some of the best numbers amongst MLB catchers. Hopefully this continues as the Yankees need the big lefty to keep on playing his part!

Big G On the Mend: If you were lucky enough to have a ticket to see the Yanks AA affiliate at TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset, you got to see Giancarlo Stanton suit up for the Patriots. The big man is on the comeback trail after a spring training plagued by injuries to his elbows. Fortunately, it seems the Yankees should have number 27 back soon, as his rehab went well picking up a couple of hits and even wearing the team’s special event “Margaritaville” jersey! While Stanton’s return means some roster juggling is needed, a return to health should only boost the Yankee offense!

The Bad

A Pen on Fumes: The most glaring issue in the last 9 games was the struggles of the Yankee bullpen, particularly against the Red Sox. Unfortunately, Yankee starters struggled against Boston, meaning the pen had to step in to bail the team out, which proved to be too much of an ask. They have been, as usual, overused under Aaron Boone’s management. It doesn’t help that they’re stretched thin right now with Luke Weaver injured and the Devin Williams back in the closer’s role. While they bounced back against the Royals and have designs on improving with some of components sharping their game while others should soon come up from the minors, that doesn’t mean the Yankee front office shouldn’t be in the market to add a pen arm.

Highlight of the Week

Lift Off: I have no words anymore…ladies and gentlemen…Aaron Judge!

State of the Union

As we hit the weekend the Yankees sit 17 games over .500 and take a 4.5 game lead in the AL East to Fenway Park. The Blue Jays are red hot having closed the gap on the Bombers last weekend when the Red Sox spoiled the party in the Bronx. This weekend feels like a good chance to open the lead back up as they owe Boston a few, while the Blue Jays face a solid Phillies team on the road. Following this weekend set at “the Fens,” the Yankees will come home to host the Angels for four games and then the last place Orioles for three more. Let’s hope they can stay hot and rebuild their once sizeable lead in the AL East!

On twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon.