Yankees have notable milestones within reach

The Yankees are on the cusp of milestones, both historic and quirky. With the 2019 season entering its final month, let’s take a look at some numbers being pursed by pinstripe powerhouses.

D.J. LeMahieu wasn’t in the Yankees lineup on Opening Day. But, since then, he’s proven to be one of the most valuable Yankees.

LeMahieu enters play on Friday leading the majors with a .335 batting average as he looks to become the fourth Yankee ever to lead the majors in average — and the first since Mickey Mantle did it back in 1956.

Yankees To Lead MLB In AVG: Single Season—All Time

DJ LeMahieu* .335 / 2019

Mickey Mantle .353 / 1956

Joe DiMaggio .381 / 1939

Lou Gehrig .363 / 1934

*on pace to finish with the highest AVG in MLB

Just look at the names on this list. LeMahieu could do something that only Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig have done before. Not even Babe Ruth accomplished this feat.

There’s no place like home for Adam Ottavino

Since signing his three-year, $27-million contract in the offseason, Ottavino has proven to be one of the Yankees’ most reliable relievers. He’s posted a 1.58 ERA in 62 appearances and struck out 78 batters in 57 innings—a 12.3 K/9.

He’s even better at home, posting an 0.89 ERA in 30.1 innings. His 0.89 ERA is tied with Mike Stanton for the third-lowest ever by a Yankee at home since ERA became an official statistic in the AL in 1913.

Lowest Home ERA: Yankees History—min. 30 IP at Home

Ron Davis: 0.80 / 1981

Larry Gura: 0.81 / 1974

Adam Ottavino: 0.89 / 2019

Mike Stanton: 0.89 / 2001

Goose Gossage: 0.94 / 1978

Home Runs

Entering play on Friday, the Yankees are second in the majors in home runs with 250. Only the Minnesota Twins (261) have more. New York set the major-league record with 267 home runs last season.

While it’s likely the Twins will finish the year with more homers, the Yanks will still break their single-season franchise record. They’re on pace to finish the year with 300 long balls.

Mike Tauchman and WAR

Outfielder Mike Tauchman has filled in nicely as one of the replacements in the Yankees lineup this season. Acquired from Colorado in late March, Tauchman is slashing .285/.367/.519 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI in 78 games.

His offensive prowess and above average defensive abilities have allowed Tauchman to post a 3.5 WAR in 2019. In fact, Tauchman has a higher WAR than some of baseball’s greatest stars.

Mike Tauchman vs. Notable Major Leaguers In WAR: 2019 Season (Entering Play Friday)

Mike Tauchman 3.5

Jose Altuve: 3.3

Kris Bryant: 3.3

J.D. Martinez: 3.3

Manny Machado: 2.8

Bryce Harper: 2.7

Remember, Machado and Harper are making a combined $630 million on their current contracts. Tauchman is making just $557,000 in 2019.

Gleyber Torres

At just 22-years-old, Gleyber Torres has established himself as a star in the major leagues. He’s already a two-time All-Star and the Yanks’ leading home run hitter (33).

Torres is on pace to finish the season with 40 home runs. He would become the eighth player in MLB history to hit 40+ homers in his age-22 season or younger.

Players To Hit 40+ Home Runs: Age-22 Season Or Younger

Mel Ott: 42 / 1929

Joe DiMaggio: 46 / 1937

Eddie Mathews: 47 / 1953 and 40 / 1954

Johnny Bench: 45 / 1970

Juan Gonzalez: 43 / 1992

Alex Rodriguez: 42 / 1998

Bryce Harper: 42 / 2015

The Yankees are on the cusp of milestones, both historic and quirky. With the 2019 season entering its final month, let’s take a look at some numbers being pursed by pinstripe powerhouses.

There’s no place like home for Adam Ottavino

Home Runs

Mike Tauchman and WAR

Gleyber Torres

Schedule