UPDATE: The New York Yankees experienced a shocking collapse on August 29, 2023, allowing the Detroit Tigers to score a staggering nine runs in the seventh inning, leading to a 12-2 defeat at Yankee Stadium. This dramatic inning not only marked a low point for the Yankees this season but also jeopardized their playoff hopes as they now trail the Toronto Blue Jays by three games in the American League East standings.
In a game that appeared poised for a postseason feel, the Yankees’ bullpen, particularly relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr., fell apart spectacularly, surrendering nine earned runs without recording a single out. This historic failure makes them the first teammates since 2003 to each face at least four batters without securing an out, according to ESPN Research.
Cruz’s performance was especially troubling, as he threw 13 of his 20 pitches for balls, while Leiter struggled with control, throwing nine of his 16 pitches out of the strike zone and allowing a wild pitch that contributed to the Tigers’ scoring frenzy. The Yankees have now posted a dismal 5.05 ERA for their bullpen since August 1, ranking 27th in the majors, a concerning statistic for a team vying for a playoff spot.
The Yankees’ starting pitcher, Will Warren, initially kept the Tigers at bay, allowing just two runs over six innings. However, the game unraveled quickly after he exited. “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way,” Cruz stated after the game, emphasizing the need to move on and “do your job” in the next matchup.
With this loss, the Yankees’ path to the postseason has become increasingly perilous. The Blue Jays’ recent comeback win against the Houston Astros adds to the Yankees’ woes, effectively putting them four games behind Toronto when the tiebreaker is considered. The Tigers, on the other hand, improved to 83-62 and remain just half a game behind the Blue Jays for the top seed in the American League.
Fans and analysts alike are left reeling from the Yankees’ disastrous seventh inning. “It’s tough,” said Warren, reflecting on the chaotic sequence. The Yankees have not allowed at least six combined walks and hit batsmen in an inning since September 2015, making this collapse even more alarming.
As the Yankees prepare for their next game, the pressure mounts. The team must regroup quickly to avoid further damaging their playoff hopes. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in his bullpen, stating, “We have the guys down there to get it done. We just got to sync it up.”
With just 18 games remaining in the regular season, all eyes will be on the Yankees to see if they can bounce back and reclaim their position in the playoff race. This critical moment in their season has fans and players alike bracing for what comes next.
