YANKEES HEAD INTO MAY TOP OF AL EAST

- April Claudio, Contributor

The Yankees wrapped up the first month of the season leading the AL East with a record of 18-13. 

With the loss of Gerrit Cole for the season there was a big question about the Yankees starting rotation. The two standouts are Carlos Rodon who is 4-3 with a 3.43 era and 52 strikeouts and newcomer Max Fried who is fitting in nicely with a record of 5-0 with a 1.38 era and 33 strikeouts.

Devin Williams, on the other hand, has struggled in his role as the closer and as of a few days ago has lost that role to Luke Weaver who is having a stellar season. Williams has only 4 saves with an era of 9.00. Weaver has pitched 14 innings and has a zero era with 12 strikeouts and has only given up 3 hits.

As for the Yankees hitting, Aaron Judge became the 7th player to bat .400 with at least 10 home runs in the month of April. He is batting .427 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.

Rookie Ben Rice is doing well, batting .265 with 8 home runs.

Newcomer Paul Goldschmidt is batting a solid .365 with 3 home runs.

Another surprise is Trent Grisham, who is batting .292 with 8 home runs.

Heading into May there have been some key changes in the lineup. Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be out for 4-6 weeks with an oblique strain. Jorbit Vivas was brought up from Triple A to replace him and will make his major league debut against the Rays.

Giancarlo Stanton’s status on the injured list increased to 60 days causing the Yankees to sign former Atlanta Brave Bryan De La Cruz off waivers.

Jonathan Loaisiga and DJ LeMahieu have begun rehab assignments and hope to rejoin the team soon.

The Yankees kick off the month of May with a 3 game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Let’s hope the momentum they’ve created continues and improves even more With Luke Weaver in the closer rule, things are looking promising.