While the 2023 season may not be going to plan for the New York Yankees, they are certainly in no mood to give up. Well past the Trade Deadline, it appears as though the Yankees are still trying their hardest to make sure their roster rotation is optimal even undertaking some truly puzzling moves. Despite sporting a 40 man roster with some of the biggest names in MLB, the Yankees’ tinkering seems to be a continuing process.
On the brink of a losing record to close out the season and yet still somehow harboring hopes of an AL Wild Card Spot, the Yankees present a conundrum for all of baseball. On the one hand, the could just plan to build for next season and start cutting their stars. But on the other hand, they are the Yankees. If they have a shot at the off-season, they have to go for it. And the Yankees have chosen a direction.
The New York Yankees’ Roster Changes
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Just before stepping into their double header against AL Wild Card contenders and long time rivals, the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees have made some potentially defining moves. While signing on several rotation pieces for their bull pen, the Yankees have chosen to go at it this season.
The injury bug has not been kind to the New York Yankees. But they were never one to sit out and pout. Turning a weakness into a strength for the Pinstripes, they have instead turned around and made space on their 40 man roster by placing several existing stars on the IL before calling up some new youngsters to take their place.
Earlier today, the Yankees claimed RHP Luke Weaver off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have transferred LHP Nestor Cortes to the 60-day injured list.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 12, 2023
Claiming Luke Weaver from the Mariners on a waiver, and signing Zach McAllister to a MLB contract, the Yankees have had to move Nestor Cortes, Jonathan Lo?isiga and #2 prospect Drew Thorpe on the IL to make room. Whether this plays out in favor of the Yankees or not, time will tell, but few will doubt that the move is a statement by the Yankees management.
Prior to today’s doubleheader, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Signed RHP Zach McAllister (#29) to a Major League contract and selected him to the active roster.
• Placed RHP Jonathan Loáisiga on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 9/10) with right elbow…— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 12, 2023
New York Yankees Fans react to dwindling Post Season Chances
Despite only 0.3% chances of making the post-season as per Fangraphs, the Yankees are going all out for it. With their most recent moves moving experienced players to the IL in favour of players available to play right now, the intention looks to be crystal clear. It’s moving day and we have to get with moving. The Bronx fans took some respite from their record this season with the moves.
and here I thought you guys were giving up on the season pic.twitter.com/LO0CIhbk5k
— tristan (Gabe, forever.) (@elyankeelover) September 12, 2023
Some part of the fanbase however seemed to believe that the moves were more for 2024 than for the ongoing season.
This will be the big move heading into 2024!
— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) September 12, 2023
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The injury bug may have held back the Yankees this season with key injuries to players like 2022 Home Run King Aaron Judge and star debutante Jasson Dominguez. So much so that the additions to the IL only made the fans fear the worst.
@ every ny sports team pic.twitter.com/GAdyTUo0Qt
— Megs 🪩🤠 (@MegzMurr) September 12, 2023
IVE FUCKING HAD IT
TAKE ME TO THE TRAINING STAFF MANAGER THIS INSTANT pic.twitter.com/AvoaAn1Cfy— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) September 12, 2023
So what's the record for players going on the IL over a one week period. Seems like Yankees put someone on the IL after every game over the last week.
— Kevin Hagadorn (@KevinHagadorn1) September 12, 2023
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Ever the jovial bunch, the Yankees fanbase also had some funny remedies for all the injuries this season.
bubble wrap all the players STAT
— Megs 🪩🤠 (@MegzMurr) September 12, 2023
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As the Yankees prepare to take on the Red Sox, only the post-season will be on their mind. The question that everybody is asking now is can they still make it?
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