Around the Empire: Yankees News - 6/16/19

MLB.com | Russell Dorsey: Ninja Cash strikes again. Out of the blue, the Yankees reportedly acquired slugger Edwin Encarnacion from the Mariners in exchange for pitching prospect Juan Then. While the move is quite puzzling considering that both Stanton and Judge are slated to return next week, this will certainly mean no more Kendrys Morales. That is an indisputable Good Thing. At any rate, Judge, Stanton, Voit, Sanchez and Encarnacion is one heck of a middle five. Stay tuned to PSA for coverage on the trade as more details emerge.

New York Post | George A. King III: The Yankees’ June swoon has been largely attributed to the starting pitching, but King points out that there are other factors too. Defensive miscues have exacerbated the Yankees’ poor pitching performances, and subpar hitting from Brett Gardner and Aaron Hicks have shortened the lineup. Here’s hoping the Yankees can clean up their glovework and start hitting like their regular selves, because the rotation will need all the help it can get.

New York Daily News | Kristie Ackert: Lovers of long dongs rejoice; the return of our lord Giancarlo Stanton is nigh. Aaron Boone expressed confidence that the outfielder should be able to return soon, but also denied that he was being rushed back in any way. The Yankees’ cautious approach is reassuring considering the multiple setbacks that Stanton has already suffered this year. Come back to us all fixed up, Giancarlo, and remember to bring the dingers.

NJ.com | Brandon Kuty: While Stanton and Judge are nearing their returns, the date for Luis Severino is still not clear. The Yankees hope that Severino can start throwing off a mound soon, but even if he reaches that milestone, he still has a ways to go before he’s ready for action. The wait for Severino is probably going to last until early-August at the soonest. We can only hope Cashman finds a way to make the rotation work until then.