After hitters began to raise concerns about pitchers utilizing a sticky substance to improve their spin rate and velocity, teams began producing elevated totals on the scoreboard. For example, the Yankees, who have struggled this season offensively, have posted 22 runs over the past three games, a number they hadn’t seen since last year. Is it a coincidence they suddenly began hitting homers and making more contact at an incredible rate?
It is entirely possible the Yankees’ offense just simply hit a groove, but the alternative makes sense considering the timing. However, the Yankees blew a late lead over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday evening, as closer Aroldis Chapman gave up two homers.