NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Many Yankee fans have been asking for a diverse lineup that doesn’t rely as heavily on right-handed sluggers and home runs. Aaron Judge cited the club’s more diverse lineup as part of the reason for their success to date. “I think that’s what separates this team from other years, just having this diversity in the lineup,” Judge said after Friday night’s 12-2 win over the Royals. It’s hard to tell if the added diversity has propelled the lineup, or if it’s the simple fact that a team that still relies heavily on Dinger just hit more of them this year than last. Either way, it works.
NJ.com | Brendan Kuty: Among the Yankees’ low-profile minor league moves during the offseason was the signing of former All-Star starter Shelby Miller. The 31-year-old performed well at Triple-A, allowing two earned runs over eight innings, hitting ten against just one walk. Miller may be out of his minor league pact today, and with the Yankees already in possession of a stacked bullpen, it can be difficult for Miller to join the conversation.
New York Post | Dan Martin: DJ LeMahieu is healthy this year after suffering a sports fracture in 2021 and it shows in his offensive performance. This return to health has also helped his defense, which has been strong throughout Diamond so far. “I feel good defensively everywhere now. I feel faster and can reach a few more balls and get my feet throwing better,” LeMahieu said of his work on the dirt this year. LeMahieu’s slugger is vital to the Yankee offense, but his ability to perform well in multiple positions makes Aaron Boone’s day-to-day job of filling out the lineup card a lot easier.
New York Post | Jenna Lemoncelli: Aaron Hicks recently returned from paternity leave, and he and his wife Cheyenne Woods announced the birth of their firstborn son, Cameron Jaxson Hicks, on Instagram. Congratulations to both of them!
Also of note is that Joey Gallo was pulled from last night’s game Tightness in left groin. Hopefully his injury proves minor but we’ll keep you updated as the situation develops.