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The New York Yankees started the 2026 season with a bang, winning their first eight of 10 games, but since last Tuesday the bats have gone ice cold.
The Yankees lost a series to the Athletics, then were swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in a series this weekend.
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Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees heads to the dugout after striking out during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida on April 11, 2026. (Jason Behnken/AP)
Aaron Judge highlighted the team’s offensive struggles following a 5-4 loss on Sunday.
“We need to simplify some things at the plate,” Judge told reporters via MLB.com. “We’re trying to hit every pitch we see up there and get into bad counts and bad situations. As a group, if we simplify our approach a little bit, look for the pitch we’re looking for and pass the baton, I think we’ll be in a better position.”
Judge has also been lethargic at the plate after winning three American League MVP awards over the past four seasons and some time with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hits a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida on April 12, 2026. (Jason Behnken/AP)
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In 15 games, Judge is hitting just .218 with four home runs, nine RBIs and a double. He was 2-for-10 against the Rays, despite a two-run homer on Sunday.
It was the Rays’ first three-game sweep of the Yankees since 2021.
“We didn’t get a lot of traffic when we needed it in this series,” Judge added. “We had a hit for the majority of the game, and a few of those games. I think if guys walk around when they need to and focus on a pitch they can drive, we’ll be in a better position.”
New York is now 8-7 on the season and in a three-way tie for the lead in the American League East.
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hits during the fifth inning against the Athletics in New York on April 8, 2026. (Heather Khalifa/AP)
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The Yankees return home Monday for a seven-game homestand. The team will host the Los Angeles Angels for four games, then turn to the Kansas City Royals.
