Blunder Ball in the Bronx; Help on the way?

It's been noted a number of times that the Yankees had a 10 game lead in the AL East after they shut out the Toronto Blue Jays on July 18. The Yankees have gone 18-22 since, which really isn't all that bad, until you realize the team had winning streaks of four and three games during the stretch. Which then means, they are 11-22 in the other 33 games and that is bad..very bad baseball.

That bad baseball continued in the Bronx Friday night as the Yankees bored their fans to a 6-1 loss that dropped their lead to just two games in front of Baltimore. With no Alex Rodriguez (began a rehab assignment last night) or Mark Teixeira (hoping to play next weekend) in the lineup, opposing pitchers have been able to work around Robinson Cano. Joe Girardi has been forced to bat  players like Andruw Jones (.207 avg, .725 OPS) or little tested Steve Pearce. .

Hiroki Kuroda has been the Yankees best pitcher in the second half, but he put himself in a hole in the 2nd inning when he allowed a 2-run home run to Mark Reynolds for a 3-0 Orioles lead.  Kuroda worked into the 9th, but allowed a home run to J.J. Hardy and another home run to Reynolds

The Yankees made Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez lool like Jim Palmer in his prime; the punch-less wonders managed just five hits and only scored on a solo home run by Curtis Granderson in the 9th. Gonzalez also beat the Yankees back on July 30 at YS as well.

The Yankees will get some help when the rosters expand on Saturday, but none of the players coming up swings a big stick. Catcher Francisco Cervelli finally returns to the Bronx, much to the glee of his large female following. Eduardo Nunez was also recalled and is scheduled to DH on Saturday.

Pitchers Cory Wade, Adam Warren, and Justin Thomas, and outfielder Chris Dickerson are also being recalled. To make room on the 40-man roster (one spot was needed), the Yankees designated Ramiro Pena for assignment.