SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 03: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after being unable to get on base in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros during their game at T-Mobile Park on June 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
On Saturday, the Yankees pulled off the first major trade of the season with the addition of Edwin Encarnacion. The move helps bolster their already powerful lineup, and is already paying large dividends.
The heavy-hitting Edwin Encarnacion, who leads the American League with home runs, did it again on Tuesday night, hammering a solo shot in the eighth inning. The home run helped the Yankees extend their lead to 6-3 over the Tampa Bay Rays and to give them the win.
His first home run in a Yankees uniform puts him at 22 bombs on the season. His power numbers have solidified his home run hitting ability, as one of the most fierce batters in baseball. He has homered 20 or more time in 10 of his last 11 seasons, and has hit over 35 home runs in five seasons during that span.
With the signing of Encarnacion, the Yankees have the most powerful lineup on paper with Giancarlo Stanton returning to the everyday lineup, and Aaron Judge’s impending return. Once their lineup gets back to full health, pitchers will have their hands full with the Yankees deep lineup.
The Yankees lineup appears to be set for a playoff run, although they may want to look towards an upgrade in their starting pitching. They’re currently without Luis Severino, who hasn’t pitched all season, and are currently lacking a true ace in their rotation. As we get closer to the trade deadline, the Yankees will likely be an active suitor in the pitching sweepstakes.
The Yankees have played well, even with the astronomical amount of injuries they’ve had to overcome. They currently sit with a record of 45-27, and have a 2.5 game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.