The New York Yankees entered the MLB season with championship aspirations, and through much of the first half, they played like a team capable of going the distance. Their 42-31 record has them atop the AL East, built on a powerful lineup and reliable pitching.
But that momentum has come to a halt. Following a frustrating 2-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees extended their losing streak to six games and saw their division lead shrink to just 1.5 games over the Tampa Bay Rays. Over the last three games, they’ve failed to score in 30 straight innings — their longest such drought this season.
After the loss, Aaron Judge delivered a composed but firm response. That’s baseball. We know what we signed up for. You’re gonna play 162, you’re gonna hit a rut like this. You can’t give up, you can’t mope about it. Just show up the next day and be ready to play, he said, via @SNYyankees on X.
A team-wide slump in a pivotal moment
New York’s offense — which ranks among MLB’s best in home runs and on-base percentage — has fallen silent during this stretch. The team managed just two runs in their three-game series against the Angels, including back-to-back shutouts. Even Judge, the offensive centerpiece, has struggled to make an impact, reaching base only twice since the weekend set against Boston.
Fielding has also been an issue. An error by shortstop Anthony Volpe late in Wednesday’s game allowed the go-ahead run to score, putting the final touch on another frustrating night at Yankee Stadium.
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Judge’s MVP form remains intact
Despite the current slump, Judge continues to post MVP-caliber numbers. Through 73 games, he’s batting .366 with 26 home runs and 60 RBIs — a pace that places him among the frontrunners for the American League’s most prestigious individual honor. Still, his comments made it clear that personal accolades aren’t his focus during this stretch.
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Will the Yankees turn it around before the All-Star break?
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Yankees look to regroup before All-Star break
With the All-Star break approaching, the Yankees must regain their rhythm to maintain their position atop the division. Their next few games will be critical in setting the tone for the second half of the season. If New York is to bounce back, it will likely begin with Judge — not just through his performance, but through his message and mindset.
