Fansided

Something is wrong with Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray

By Zach Houle

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: Sonny Gray #55 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on May 5, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 05: Sonny Gray #55 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on May 5, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Yankees have been hot lately, but one of their pitchers has been nothing but cold.

Sonny Gray was one of the most consistent pitchers from 2014-2017. But this season, the right hander has been horrendous with a 6.39 ERA in 38 innings. Overall, the Yankees pitching ranks 10th in all of baseball. With that said, the staff is still a float with a great season out of C.C. Sabathia and youngster Luis Severino. Although for New York to venture deep into the postseason, the club will need better production from Gray.

For one, Gray’s strikeouts are down (7.58) and his walk rate (5.68) is way up. That has been alarming to say the least, as the righty has been a reliable guy all his career. His pitches seem to have little life on them and his control has evaded him regularly. The Yankees have the best offense in the MLB so he is getting more than enough run support.

He was good last year with a 3.55 ERA in 162.1 innings pitched. This year though, yikes. He still has plenty of time to turn it around, but the patience for the Yankees maybe a little shaken. At only 28 years old, Gray is in the prime of his career, so this should be the best years for him. He has been absolutely terrible at Yankee Stadium this season, giving up 18 earned runs in 25 innings. Also, he ranks 4th in the American League in walks with 24.

With that said, the right-hander has walked a lot of guys and hasn’t given the home crowd something to cheer for. He is getting the struggling Giancarlo Stanton treatment on the mound. Gary should turn it around pretty soon, because he has shown he can have long-term success. But what if he doesn’t? Well, the Yankees have the prospect pool to go out and get anyone they want, so pursuing a pitcher at the trade deadline is a no brainer.

Next: Fans react to Sonny Gray's poor outing

Ultimately, the Yankees should wait a little bit longer on Gray to iron things out. After another start or two and he’s still struggling, then go and make a move. This is a dangerous team, and even better if Sonny Gray is productive and apart of it all. Yankees fans should give it a bit longer before the booing, as fans did that to Stanton, and that didn’t last long. We’ll see what happens when it’s Sonny Gray’s turn.

Home/New York Yankees