Yankees Done With Road Interleague Matchups

Who says you can’t go home? Certainly not National League teams anymore.

May 28, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher

(40) looks on after giving up a two run single to New York Yankees center fielder

(not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

May 26th- 28th against the St. Louis Cardinals was the final road interleague series for the Yankees, who will finally be able to use their pitchers solely for pitching. While it’s a novelty for fans to watch pitchers hack at the plate (and sometimes fall down), the ninth spot can once again be used for a position player. Given the rash of injuries this season, the Yankees will appreciate having a regular designated hitter again, playing with their usual lineup.

It should also provide relief for the Yankees because preparing for National League teams is just another inconvenience for manager Joe Girardi. It makes game preparing easier, and also gives the American League pitchers the opportunity to focus only on the mound, and not also in the batter’s box. In fact, the Yankee pitchers have a total of two hits, and zero runs. The team is giving away at least two outs a game! Even the worst hitter on the team (take your pick) will provide better production, and the offense will improve.

Plus, rumors are circulating about an intrigue in Kendrys Morales: an average fielder but a great swinger. He would be more than happy to DH in a major city; many players dream of playing in the Big Apple. Or, the Yankees could call up a prospect, such as Adonis Garcia, Jose Pirela, and several others to play defense to utilize the designated hitter for an older player.

The Yankees will play the NL Cincinnati Reds on July 18, at home. Maybe the Yanks will finally get their offense truly humming, or maybe not. But one thing is for certain, Masahiro Tanaka will not get his second major league hit this season.