The New York Yankees experienced a significant setback on Friday night as four newly acquired players struggled in their team debuts, contributing to a 13-12 loss against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. The loss was notable for its rarity: the Yankees had not lost a nine-inning game after scoring 12 or more runs since August 12, 1973, and had not suffered such a defeat on the road since July 24, 1940.
Jake Bird allowed a grand slam, David Bednar surrendered the lead, Camilo Doval blew a save opportunity, and José Caballero committed an error that allowed the tying run to score. All four were acquired ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline in an effort to strengthen the roster for the season’s stretch drive.
“I feel sad,” Caballero said through an interpreter, “because it’s definitely a game that we could have won.”
Bird, Bednar, and Doval gave up nine runs (seven earned) and nine hits over just 2 1/3 innings. Manager Aaron Boone addressed the team before the game to introduce the new additions and set expectations moving forward. “This is us now,” Boone told his players.
The Yankees built an early lead behind Giancarlo Stanton’s three-run homer and Cody Bellinger’s two-run single. By the fifth inning, they led 6-0. However, starter Carlos Rodón struggled with his command in the bottom half of that inning and was removed after allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings.
Rodón called his performance “pretty unacceptable,” especially given the support from his offense.
With several relievers unavailable due to recent heavy workloads, Boone relied on his new bullpen arms late in the game. Trent Grisham appeared to put New York back in control with a three-run homer in the seventh inning. But Miami rallied with Kyle Stowers hitting a grand slam off Bird.
“Just not executing the pitches to my ability,” Bird said. “I need to be better there. I will be better.”
Bednar entered next but gave up a game-tying home run to Javier Sanoja and then allowed Miami to take its first lead of the night.
“It was definitely not an ideal start, by any means,” Bednar said.
Anthony Volpe tied things again for New York with his 17th home run of the season in the eighth inning.
“We fought,” Volpe said. “Overall, I’m proud of the fight everyone showed.”
Doval was unable to hold another late lead after Ryan McMahon drove in a go-ahead run for New York. In Miami’s final at-bat, Doval allowed a single and walk before Xavier Edwards singled; Caballero misplayed it as Miami scored to tie again.
“I took my eyes away from the ball for a split second,” Caballero said.
Camilo Doval ultimately gave up an infield hit that brought home Miami’s winning run.
“Unfortunately, you can execute and things just don’t work out,” Doval said.
Manager Aaron Boone remained confident despite Friday’s outcome: “It’s not how you draw it up. Those guys are really good at what they do. It’s not the first time they’ve had a rough one. I fully expect them to bounce back.”
