Despite having an offense that ranked near the top of the league in runs scored, home runs and other stats, the New York Yankees are currently having a hard time scoring runs consistently.
Yes, they overcame the Cleveland Guardians, but did it barely and without topping six hits in any game.
The Yankees offense, as a whole, is hitting .176 in the postseason, which is evidently not ideal.
They are saved by their power more often than not, but the Yanks will need to start hitting more consistently if they want to have any chance of besting the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series.
They have been so offensively-challenged that they included Matt Carpenter in the postseason roster for both the ALDS and the ALCS without having a major league at-bat since August 8.
Carpenter slashed .305/.412/.727 with 15 home runs and a 1.138 OPS in 154 trips to the plate.
An Unfortunate, Untimely Injury
He fractured his foot on that date, however, and despite trying his best, couldn’t be ready for some tune-up games late in the season.
He took some live batting practice against Yankees pitchers but that was it: no competitive at-bats before the playoffs.
Predictably, he was thrown to the fire and has struggled mightily so far.
“Matt Carpenter is 0-for-4 with 4 K tonight. He’s 0-for-6 with 6 K in the postseason,” SI.com’s Max Goodman tweeted.
Matt Carpenter is 0-for-4 with 4 K tonight.
He's 0-for-6 with 6 K in the postseason.
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) October 20, 2022
He left several runners in scoring position in Houston, in Game 1 of the ALCS.
It’s not his fault, though: he just isn’t at the same level as his teammates when it comes to rhythm at the plate.
That could take some additional at-bats.
Will the Yankees be alive by then?
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