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Yankees, Orioles, Braves, Reds: 5 bold post-All-Star Break predictions

By Scott Roche

Jun 30, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a RBI single against the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a RBI single against the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 27, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) throws the ball from his knees during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) throws the ball from his knees during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Third bold prediction: New York Yankees will miss the playoffs

Since Aaron Judge went down with an injury in early June against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees’ offense has been hit or miss. In most cases, it’s been more a miss than a hit.

New York has a roster filled with players who are older and not producing like they have in the past. Giancarlo Stanton is not at a stage in his career where he can make up for the absence of Judge by himself as it’s generally all or nothing and lately, it’s been a lot of nothing. Josh Donaldson’s struggles have been met with a lot of boos at Yankee Stadium despite a recent power surge. Anthony Volpe has been slumping and Anthony Rizzo went through a bad streak following an injury earlier in the season against the Padres. Sunday, GM Brian Cashman fired hitting coach Dillon Lawson and replaced him with MLB Network analyst Sean Casey.

Gerrit Cole has pitched like an ace and Domingo German tossed a perfect game against the Oakland Athletics on June 28, but he has been inconsistent. He pitched well last Sunday against the Cubs before the break and had stuff that was as good as his stuff against the A’s. However, the bullpen blew a 4-1 lead and resulted in a 7-4 loss. Carlos Rodon pitched well in his first outing of the season on July 7 against the Cubs and can be a big addition in the second half.

There are just too many things stacked up against the Yankees this season. Injuries, inconsistency on the mound and at the plate, as well as a loaded division where the teams ahead of them are better, the Rays, Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays. The Boston Red Sox are just one game behind them at the break. Do you want a bonus prediction with the Yankees? They will finish in the basement of the AL East. It just feels like one of those seasons in the Bronx.

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