The New York Yankees entered the 2022 season expecting to be one of the top contenders for the World Series, but the team just has not found its footing in the early going. The team’s powerful offense has been completely dormant. This has forced New York to rely on its excellent bullpen depth to get victories. The Yankees looked to get their eighth win in 13 games when they finished their series with the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, April 21.
Pitching Matchup
Jordan Montgomery took the ball for the Yankees on Thursday afternoon in his third start of the year. He was opposed by Michael Pineda from the Tigers. Pineda was making his season debut after missing most of the spring due to visa issues. With both teams struggling to score runs at the moment, this had all the makings of a pitching duel. Montgomery and Pineda both have the ability to completely shut down a lineup when they have their best stuff.
Offensive Struggles Continue
The Yankees had to like their chances entering this game, but the offense once again had trouble putting runs on the board. Jordan Montgomery did his best to keep his team in the game, but he did not get much help from his teammates. After an uneventful start, Detroit opened the scoring in the third inning with an RBI double from Robbie Grossman. Montgomery kept the Tigers in check after the early blemish. He exited the game after six innings having only given up the one run. Unfortunately, he was still on the hook for the loss.
Miguel Castro entered the game in the eighth inning with the Yankees still trailing 1-0. The usually reliable reliever did not have his best stuff on Thursday. He immediately loaded the bases after facing only three batters. Lucas Luetge was tasked with getting out of the mess, and he did his best to only give up two runs. Gregory Soto sealed the game in the ninth to cap off the 3-0 shutout for the Tigers.
Upcoming Schedule
This disappointing loss puts the New York Yankees one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East division. The team will look to get back on track when they head home for a weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians. Jameson Taillon will get the start on Friday night against Eli Morgan.
