Even the most composed fans can’t resist joining in the excitement of the Yankees’ promising start to the 2024 season. While the significance of three games out of a 162-game regular season might seem relatively small — as evidenced by the Rays’ impressive start in 2023 without subsequent playoff success — these wins hold particular meaning for various reasons.
Chief among them is the opponent: the Yankees have faced significant challenges from the Houston Astros in recent years. While ultimate satisfaction will only come with postseason success against them, this series victory signals a step in the right direction.
Consider the consistent factors for the Yankees in recent seasons: Aaron Judge, the 2022 AL MVP, and Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner. Despite both being absent from the lineup, the Yankees managed to defeat the Astros in their home stadium. Cole’s absence due to injury and Judge’s relatively quiet performance in these wins underscore the team’s resilience.
While three games don’t define an entire season, the Yankees’ ability to bounce back and secure victories is commendable. This marks the first time in 21 years that the team has started a season with three consecutive wins, all of which involved comeback efforts.
Within these games, there have been confirmations of positive expectations and surprising outcomes. Players like Nestor Cortes and Anthony Volpe demonstrated their potential, while established stars like Juan Soto continued to excel. While it’s uncertain if Oswaldo Cabrera’s impressive performance will be sustained, even temporary contributions like his can bolster the team until key players return from injury.
While some may argue that Cabrera’s success is a fluke, there are also promising signs from other players like Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres who have yet to fully contribute. In contrast to previous seasons, where the team struggled to respond to adversity, recent games have shown a depth of talent throughout the lineup.
Despite concerns about certain players’ performances, such as Clay Holmes in the bullpen, the collective strength of the bullpen has exceeded expectations, especially in the absence of key pitchers like Tommy Kahnle. Pitchers like Jonathan Loáisiga and Ian Hamilton have stepped up, showcasing their versatility with multi-inning appearances.
So, instead of dwelling on the long-term implications of this early success, fans should savor the excitement of the moment and look forward to the possibility of a series sweep.
