While the New York Yankees haven’t made it to the World Series since 2009, there is no question about their dominance in the AL East across their storied history. However, it seems like 2023 is preparing to dictate a new story in the AL East, with the Yanks embarrassingly losing to their division rivals Tampa Bay Rays in their first Grapefruit League encounter.
After a triumphant three-game winning streak, the Yankees traveled to Disney Stadium, eager to augment their triumphs with yet another conquest. However, their aspirations found no end, as not only were they defeated, but they were also subjected to a humiliating loss by a team they had previously dominated with great prowess.
A bitter defeat and a wrathful swarm of Yankee fans. Will this be the tale of 2023?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably, the Disney Stadium game ended with the Pinstripes managing zero runs and the Rays with 12. This was coupled with a long list of infuriated Yankee fans.
FINAL: Rays 12, Yankees 0.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 28, 2023
The Tampa Bay defense exhibited an impressive display of firepower, whereas the Yankees’ defense, which refrained from utilizing any players from their top quintet of pitchers, failed to contain the Rays’ offensive onslaught.
Pinstripe fans, known for their immediate hostility, didn’t refrain from displaying their enraged emotions after the Yankees’ disappointing loss. This is how fans reacted:
season over sell the entire team trade everyone
— Angry Jankees Fan (3.0) (@NotRodonEnjoyer) February 28, 2023
— Rays The Roof (@RaysTheRoofTB) February 28, 2023
— AK (@AKast52) February 28, 2023
— Anakin the Rays/Bad Batch Enjoyer (@Ryann_32) February 28, 2023
The next 2 seasons are over. Better luck in 2025! pic.twitter.com/fd33uA7hlG
— Dominick Ruocco (@DominickRuocco) February 28, 2023
Season over pic.twitter.com/yt9MrQtWre
— Brendan (@ToxicSportsTalk) February 28, 2023
choosing not to perceive this… pic.twitter.com/95WpocQRER
— high priestess gabagool (@katiebobaetee) February 28, 2023
Yankees: pic.twitter.com/bJn6ZDL46v
— Anakin the Rays/Bad Batch Enjoyer (@Ryann_32) February 28, 2023
I know its spring training but… pic.twitter.com/iDymp6Sanp
— T MAJOR (@1AmbitiousRebel) February 28, 2023
should be the trend for the whole season tbh
— 🏆 SPACEMAN 🏆 (@CopierCollin) February 28, 2023
Poverty franchise
— Anthony Buckley (@buckl3y) March 1, 2023
Next, the Yanks will return back home to greet the Washington Nationals at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to continue their Spring Training.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How does the New York Yankees roster look with injuries?
Presently, the two biggest injury concerns for the New York Yankees are Nestor Cortes Jr., who’s down with a right hamstring strain, and Frankie Montas with right shoulder inflammation. While Cortes is expected to return by Opening Day, a prospective timeline of Montas’ injury estimates a return date during the second half of the season.
How will Aaron Judge help his Yankees come back after this defeat? Do you think this game tells the tale for the Pinstripes ahead of Opening Day or was this just one poor game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: New York Yankees Star Aaron Judge’s Impressive Workout Routine