New York Yankees Make Decision on Hitting Coach Amid Offensive Struggles
The New York Yankees are making changes after their disappointing conclusion to the first half of the regular season.
On Sunday night, the Yankees relieved hitting coach Dillon Lawson of his duties amid the team's offensive struggles.
This move came after the Yankees' 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
For the first time in 25 years as general manager, this is the first time that Brian Cashman has fired a coach during the season.
“It has been well documented that I have been reluctant in the past to make changes to our coaching staff in ‘the middle of a season,’ ” Cashman said in a statement. “I am a big believer that successes and failures are collective efforts.
“However, I ultimately felt that a change was needed and that a new voice overseeing our hitting operations would give us the best chance to perform closer to our capabilities as we move forward into the second half of our season. I want to thank Dillon for all his efforts. He has a bright baseball mind that will continue to lead to a long and fruitful baseball career.”
It surely hasn't helped the Yankee offense that superstar outfielder Aaron Judge has been sidelined since June 3 with a toe injury. Collectively, the Yankees have gone 49-42 and hit .231 with a .710 OPS heading into the All-Star break.
Lawson, 38, was named the Yankees' hitting coach ahead of the 2022 season following a stint as the minor league hitting coordinator.
The Yankees have not yet named a replacement hitting coach, but Cashman says the plan is to hire someone from outside the organization.
The team has not announced the status of assistant hitting coach Casey Dykes or hitting assistant Brad Wilkerson.
