Ryan Yarbrough claimed a fascinating chapter in his baseball journey by securing a World Series ring from the Los Angeles Dodgers, only to later face them as a formidable pitcher for the New York Yankees. In an impressive performance on Sunday night, Yarbrough dazzled with six innings of one-run ball, striking out a season-high five batters, and leading the Yankees to a 7-3 victory against his former team.
“It feels like I’m in a really good place right now and really trying to continue that,” Yarbrough stated, exuding confidence and enthusiasm. The 33-year-old left-hander had a unique path last season, making 44 relief appearances between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays. After being designated for assignment by the Dodgers on July 29, he found a new opportunity with Toronto and later signed a one-year deal worth $2 million with the Yankees in March. This season, he has quickly made a name for himself with a record of 3-0 and a 2.83 ERA.
In this matchup, Yarbrough made his first start against the Dodgers, effectively blanking their top four hitters—Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith—who were collectively 0 for 14 against him in the finale. Highlighting his skill, he recorded an impressive 17 swings-and-misses during the game, utilizing his signature sweeper pitch effectively.
New York manager Aaron Boone praised Yarbrough’s pitching style, calling him a throwback due to his unconventional delivery that makes it difficult for batters to make contact. “He’s got a lot of ways to get you out,” Boone noted, emphasizing the challenge Yarbrough poses with his mixed speeds.
Teammate DJ LeMahieu echoed the sentiment, commenting on Yarbrough’s effective command on the mound. “His fastballs look like they get on you and his off-speed looks extra slow,” LeMahieu remarked, showcasing the versatility and strategy behind Yarbrough’s pitching.
Additionally, it was a remarkable night for LeMahieu, who notched his first four-hit game since 2021, driving in two runs and elevating his batting average to .239. His performance underlines the depth and skill present within the Yankees’ roster.
Yarbrough’s ability to balance familiarity with competitive spirit has set an inspiring tone for his season and reflects the resilience and adaptability that players often need in the ever-changing landscape of professional sports. As he continues to excel on the mound, fans have reason to be optimistic about his contributions to the Yankees this year.