Yankees’ Travel Schedule Poses Challenge Ahead of Toronto Series

HOUSTON — As the New York Yankees gear up for a critical three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Manager Aaron Boone expressed frustration regarding the team’s travel schedule. The Yankees faced the Houston Astros late Wednesday night, ultimately losing 8-7, and will be heading back to New York late into the night.

Late Night Travels

Boone noted the challenge posed by the Yankees’ schedule, saying, “We’re going to get home late — again — going into the Toronto series.”

• Game Details: The Yankees’ last matchup in Houston started at 6:40 p.m. local time on Thursday, leading to another late arrival in New York.
• Contrasting Schedules: Unlike the Yankees, the Astros are only traveling to Arlington, Texas, for their weekend series, making the Yankees’ trip back seem all the more grueling.

This late-night travel isn’t a one-off issue for the Yankees. Earlier in June, they dealt with similar turbulence after playing a Thursday night game in Kansas City before heading to Boston, arriving in the early hours. Boone acknowledged that “nobody cares” about these scheduling inconveniences, emphasizing the grind of a demanding season that comprises “162 games in 180 days.”

Game Preparations and Player Updates

Boone is set to discuss with Giancarlo Stanton about his playing status for the upcoming games after Wednesday night’s match. He aims to ensure the best outcome by considering everyone’s well-being going into a crucial series.

Player Performance Highlights

• Austin Wells has been shining lately, starting behind the plate for the Yankees. In his last five games, he has significantly improved his performance, going 8-for-19 with three homers and three doubles. This comes after a rough patch where he batted .127 over 23 games.

  “Encouraging,” Boone commented on Wells’ recent turnaround. “He has had some big at-bats here lately. I feel like he is gaining some traction.”

• Paul Goldschmidt, despite a knee scare earlier in the week, is reportedly recovering well. Boone mentioned, “He was a little sore… but he’s all right,” reassuring fans about Goldschmidt’s fitness for upcoming matches.

Injury Updates

Injuries can also play a significant role during this schedule grind. Austin Slater is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A following a hamstring strain. Boone indicates Slater is likely to return to the Yankees’ active roster soon, possibly by the weekend.

• Upcoming Return: “We may DH him down there [Thursday] just to get another few days in a row of at-bats,” Boone explained, hinting that fans can expect Slater back shortly.

Key Takeaways

The upcoming series against the Blue Jays is pivotal for the Yankees as both teams compete for a strong position within the standings.

• Scheduling Woes: Late-night flights continue to challenge the Yankees.
• Player Updates: Look for an improved Wells and a confident Goldschmidt on the field soon.
• Critical Series Ahead: New York must gear up for the rivalry with Toronto, where every game counts.

The Yankees are fully aware that these challenges are part of the grind of the MLB season, but victory on the field remains their priority as they work toward achieving their goals. For more insights on the Yankees and their performance, check out Inside The Yankees for an in-depth analysis and updates.