ESPN | Jorge Castillo: The Yankees survived their early-September gauntlet, and we learned a lot in the process. First and foremost, it was cemented who the team no longer trusted with starting roles, as the Yankees essentially relegated Anthony Volpe and Jasson Domínguez to the fringes of the roster (though Volpe did return to the six last night). The starting rotation has also been clarified as a strength, while the bridge to the ninth inning looks more rickety than ever.
New York Daily News | Gary
Phillips: ($) Before coming to New York, José Caballero had been a thorn in the Yankees’ side. When the Yankees traded for the utilityman, his new teammates expressed how they had hated to play against Caballero, as he would do everything he possibly could to irritate and throw off opposing pitchers, but he’s engendered their love now that he’s doing it on their side. “He needles the opponent a little bit, but he and I have had a good laugh,” said Aaron Boone. “Now he’s turned into one of my favorite players.” He should continue to be one of Boone’s favorites as long as he continues to provide a major upgrade on Volpe’s production at shortstop.
CBS Sports | Julian McWilliams: Cody Bellinger has been one of the very best non-Aaron Judge Yankees this year, and McWilliams dives deep on the mechanics that allow Bellinger to excel at the plate. Bellinger has a pretty unusual batting stance, one where he stands upright with little-to-no bend in his knees. He hardly moves until he decides to swing, but he’s still able to generate torque thanks to his top-tier athleticism. The approach works for Bellinger, allowing him to bring a “see ball, hit ball” approach that helps him hit for contact, while also providing thump.
New York Post | Greg Joyce: Luke Weaver was candid after his brutal outing in Minnesota Monday night. He blamed the five runs he allowed on mechanical issues, telling reporters “The body just wasn’t on time. It wasn’t aligned with what I was trying to execute and do. I felt like I was fighting myself the whole time.” Somewhat refreshingly, Weaver completely owned his struggles, adding “It’s just inexcusable. We got to find a way to get it done and overcome that.”
MLB.com | Jackson Stone: Elsewhere, Cal Raleigh continues to etch his name into the history books. He launched his 55th and 56th homers last night, breaking Yankees legend Mickey Mantle’s record for most homers by a switch-hitter in a single season (54 in 1961), while also tying Ken Griffey Jr. for the franchise record. Fittingly, he did so from each side of the plate. He now has a real chance at matching or exceeding Aaron Judge’s 2022 AL record of 62 homers, with six to go and 11 games remaining.
