The New York Yankees are facing offensive challenges, particularly against left-handed pitchers, as utility player Amed Rosario experiences a notable slump. Rosario, who was brought to the team with the expectation of performing well against southpaws, has struggled in recent months, batting just .135 with a .408 OPS in 56 plate appearances against lefties since May 26. This is a stark contrast to his performance through May 26, when he hit .273 with an .888 OPS in 50 plate appearances against left-handed pitching.
Rosario entered Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez in a 1-for-17 slump and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts before being removed as a pinch hitter. Despite the recent lack of results, Rosario has remained in the top third of the Yankees' lineup against most lefties, partly due to the team's limited options. Key hitters like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton are currently sidelined with injuries, further complicating the team's lineup construction against left-handed pitching.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Rosario's struggles but expressed confidence in his ability to rebound. "If you watch the at-bats, especially against lefties, I know the numbers haven’t been there, but he’s having the right at-bats, he’s just going through it a little bit," Boone said. He added that Rosario's average exit velocity and barrel rate remain in the top half of the league, suggesting underlying power potential.
"He’s on stuff and is presenting like a guy that’s going to impact against lefties," Boone stated. "He’s just, on a smaller level, hasn’t gotten results. But doesn’t change my confidence that he will moving forward."
Looking ahead, Judge and Stanton are expected to travel with the team for their upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox and Cubs. In other team news, catcher Shea Langeliers of the Oakland Athletics has been placed on the injured list with a torn meniscus, effectively removing him as a potential trade target for the Yankees. Pitcher Clarke Schmidt is continuing his progression toward a rehab assignment after facing hitters for the second time, while Max Fried is scheduled to start Monday against the White Sox, pushing Gerrit Cole's start back by an extra day.