New York Yankees' Strikeout Woes Reach Record-Setting Levels in Loss to Tampa Bay Rays

One day after striking out 18 times against the Baltimore Orioles, the New York Yankees made the wrong side of team history on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

One day after setting a disappointing franchise record against the Baltimore Orioles, the New York Yankees made even more negative history in Monday's 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees struck out 12 times in the opener of the series against Rays pitching and per ESPN Stats & Info:

The Yankees lineup has 30 strikeouts over their last 2 games, their most in a 2-game span in franchise history.

The Yankees lineup has 30 strikeouts over their last 2 games, their most in a 2-game span in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/p2e8uDa5EU

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 1, 2023

The strikeout has become a bigger part of baseball over the last 20 years, so it's understandable that this balloon in not being able to put the ball in play has happened recently, but still, for a Yankees organization that is known for offense, this is jarring.

Rays starter Tyler Glasnow struck out eight batters over seven innings while two relievers combined for the other four.

The Yankees only run came in the second inning on a solo home run by Jake Bauers, who now has nine homers for the season. 

After the loss, the Yankees are 55-51 and remain in last place in the American League East. They are 10.0 games in the division. More importantly, they are 3.5 games back in the American League wild card race.

Tuesday's trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. and no one knows just yet what the Yankees will do. They have reportedly said they are willing to trade players on expiring deals, but if they will buy, and to what extent, isn't known.

They'll play the Rays again on Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET.

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