Despite a period of uneven play by the New York Yankees, Cody Bellinger has emerged as their most reliable hitter this season. His recent tying home run on Tuesday evening played a crucial role in leveling the four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at one win apiece, fueling hopes for continued clutch hitting on Wednesday when the Yankees host the Rays again.
Bellinger reached a milestone by hitting his 20th home run of the season—his fifth time achieving this in nine years—during a three-run blast in the third inning, contributing to New York’s 7-5 victory.
Consistent Power Surge Over Recent Games
Since June 29, Bellinger has hit 10 home runs in 24 games, including an impressive three-homer performance against the Chicago Cubs on July 11. Over his last 33 games, he is batting .343 with 11 home runs and 25 RBIs, reaching 20 homers in his 98th game this year. His impressive streak has not gone unnoticed by the Yankees’ manager, Aaron Boone.
He’s been so good on both sides of the ball. The speed and athleticism on the bases too. A ton of big hits.
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Supporting Cast and Defensive Challenges
On a night marked by Bellinger’s offensive heroics, Anthony Volpe also made notable contributions, including a tiebreaking RBI single in the fourth inning and a home run in the eighth. However, Volpe’s defensive struggles have been apparent, with 15 errors—most among Major League shortstops—and the Yankees as a team committing 12 errors over their last eight games.
One thing for certain is he’s really, really good out there and he’s clearly had some struggles,
Boone commented about Volpe’s current form.
The combined offense from Bellinger and Volpe helped the Yankees secure their fifth win in 13 games, although this followed a stretch in which the team’s record slipped to 16-24 after a strong 42-25 start.
Rays’ Challenges and Return of Brandon Lowe
The Tampa Bay Rays, who have struggled recently with an 8-19 record in their last 27 games, look to regain footing with the expected return of Brandon Lowe on Wednesday after missing nine games due to left ankle and foot tendinitis. The Rays have gone 2-7 in his absence. Lowe has been producing with a .269 batting average, 19 homers, and 50 RBIs in 86 games this season but had a tough stretch before the injury, going 5-for-25 in seven games.
When he’s playing well, hitting well, the Rays are a good team. So real excited,
said Zack Littell, Tampa Bay’s starting pitcher for Wednesday’s game.
The Rays’ offense has struggled in this series, managing only two hits in 20 opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Upcoming Pitching Matchup and Recent Performances
On the mound Wednesday for the Yankees will be right-hander Will Warren, holding a 6-5 record with a 4.82 ERA but currently winless in his last three starts with a 5.79 ERA. Warren’s most recent outing resulted in a no-decision after allowing two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, though the Yankees’ bullpen faltered by yielding 10 runs in a 12-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Warren’s career against the Rays includes two starts with an 0-1 record and a 5.68 ERA.
Facing him will be Tampa Bay right-hander Zack Littell, who carries an 8-8 record with a 3.72 ERA. Littell was tagged for five runs and 10 hits over six innings during a 7-2 loss to Cincinnati on Friday. In his career versus the Yankees, Littell holds a 3-1 record with a 4.81 ERA in four starts.
Implications for Yankees’ Season and Series Outlook
Cody Bellinger’s consistent hitting remains a bright spot for the Yankees amid the team’s recent challenges, providing both offensive power and timely contributions. The return of Brandon Lowe could revitalize the Rays’ offense, intensifying the competition as the series continues. With pitching matchups between Will Warren and Zack Littell, both teams look to overcome recent struggles and secure crucial victories moving forward in the season.