The Yankees activated CF Harrison Bader from the injured list in early May after he suffered an oblique injury in mid-March. Bader made his debut of the season on May 2nd against the Cleveland Guardians, and just when it seemed this team had completely lost its spark, you Bader believe this may be the remix to ignition—the spark that’s been missing.
I told you so
I’m not usually one to boast the old “I told you so”, but I'm going to have my moment on this one. I felt very strongly that Bader’s return would be a very positive thing and I received a lot of backlash with several remarks like “it won’t make a difference” and “he’s average”, but here’s why I felt differently…
- We’re in last place in the AL East Division standings, Giancarlo Stanton is out, Yankees’ Captain Aaron Judge is out, Carlos Rodon has yet to play a game in the 2023 season, Luis Severino is out, we have two starters remaining in the rotation, and the bullpen is burning up. My point here is that it could only go up from here.
- The outfield was desolate. We were down to guys whom were brought up from Triple A, Isaih Kiner-Falefa who just transitioned to the outfield this year treading unfamiliar territory, And Aaron Hicks who needs no explanation. Our fielding was suffering.
- Harrison Bader would be coming off a hot postseason last year when he was the only guy on the team who would produce anything. He combined five homeruns across nine games.
- Aybaybader is a vibe. He is the life of the clubhouse party.
I’m not going to out anyone, but I did, indeed, tell you so.
You Bader believe it!
In his first nine games of the season, he is slugging .400 with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and a 1.241 OPS.
Since his return, the Yankees have gone 6-3 in two games remaining in a three-game series with Cleveland, a four-game series on the road in Tampa against the Rays, a three-game series at home against the A’s, and with another four-game series with Tampa at home underway now.
All for wine and wine for all
Remember all that clubhouse vibe talk? Per Bryan Hoch, OF Willie Calhoun was treated to a bottle of Silver Oak 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon inscribed “5/2/23 1st Bomb as a Yankee – HB” in permanent marker after launching his first big league bomb. OF Jake Bauers was treated to the same gift from Bader while the team was on the road in Tampa after his first big league home run.
“I think it just shows the kind of teammate he is and how much he cares about everybody in this clubhouse,” Bauers said. “I’ve never had anything like that before.” – Per Bryan Hoch
When asked about the gesture, Bader remarked
“It just keeps really good energy going, pumps those guys up,” Bader said. “It’s hard to get the first ones out of the way, especially when you’re on a new team. So I’m just passing that along, and hopefully when they’re doing their thing, they’re in a position to do it for a younger guy, too.”
This is an incredibly wholesome move by the Yankees CF Harrison Bader, and in my opinion, it's exactly the kind of energy and leadership every clubhouse can benefit from.
On-Deck
While the Yankees find themselves dwelling at the bottom of the American League East, and nine games back from first, they’re not playing that bad. Obviously the American League East Division is one of the strongest in all of baseball, and if competing in the American League Central Division, the Yankees would be winning the division, one game ahead of the Twins.
The team has shown promising signs since the return of Bader and Judge. Joining them soon on the reactivation list are starting pitcher Luis Severino, who made his first rehab start Wednesday with no issues. He is expected to make another rehab outing Tuesday at Double-A Somerset. Yankees’ Manager Aaron Boone said they will make a decision at that point as to his slated debut. Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon is also expected to throw this week on Saturday after receiving a cortisone injection in his back on Tuesday.
The Yankees currently sit at 21-18 and will finish out a four-game series at home with Tampa this weekend and will head back out on the road for a four-game series in Toronto.
Keep up with Jonna's Yanks takes here.
- Yankees off to the hottest start since 2003, sweep Astros 4-0 in season opener - April 1, 2024
- Yankees' full-squad Spring Training officially underway - February 20, 2024
- Why the Yankees’ rotation may not be complete just yet - February 17, 2024
