3 major Yankees weaknesses Dodgers exploited in series win ft. Gerrit Cole's absence

The World Series rematch happened between the LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees over the weekend at Dodger Stadium, and the result was no different. The defending champions took the Yankees apart in the first two games, winning 8-5 and 18-2. The Yankees salvaged some pride by winning the rubber game, 7-3.

However, the series served Yankees fans with the harsh reality that the team has some major weaknesses they need to address if they hope to win their first World Series since 2009.

Three major Yankees weaknesses that came out against the Dodgers

1) Gerrit Cole's absence

The Yankees were served with an early injury setback when they learned that Gerrit Cole won't turn up for the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. That left the Yankees rotation shorthanded of a premier ace and inexperienced. The team is also without reigning AL Cy Young winner Luis Gil.

That experience was noticeable, especially in Game 2, when starter Will Warren pitched 1.1 innings, allowing seven earned runs.

2) Inconsistent offensive production

For a change, Aaron Judge redeemed himself from his 2024 World Series performance. However, the production from other batters were far too inconsistent, leading to the Yankees not being able to drive runners from scoring positions.

3) Defensive shortcomings

Rubbing salt on the wounds of Yankees fans, the team once again struggled to put a good showing on the field defensively.

In the 18-2 loss, defensive missteps allowed the Dodgers to capitalize and build an insurmountable lead. Even in the first game, the Yankees were tagged with an error.

As of early May, they have committed 19 errors, ranking among the bottom third in the league. Their fielding percentage is .985, which is below the league average.

With the series win, the Dodgers improved to 36-23 while the Yankees dropped to 36-22. Both teams are at the top of their respective divisions, and if the regular season ends today, the two teams could have set themselves up for a World Series showdown.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Bhargav