Around the Empire: Yankees news - 7/31/19

NY Post | Joel Sherman: Trade deadline day has arrived. So far, the Yankees have remained in the “listening but not engaging” party when it comes to improving on their main weakness, starting pitching. That may soon change, and if it does, it may be because Brian Cashman ends up adjusting the philosophy he’s employed to this point. The Yankees have been clearly focused with avoiding an overpay so far, but with a limited market and a strong opportunity as a frontrunner, the team may have no choice but to pay a surplus to get the upgrades that they want.

NJ.com | Randy Miller: Speaking of upgrades, one of the market’s remaining options is on hand in time for the deadline if the Yankees choose to get him. Robbie Ray has been connected to the Bombers for a while now, and he is in town with the Diamondbacks playing a short series before the deadline. Ray has gotten his fair share of questions about it from the media, and has been honest about his willingness both to answer the questions and for them to stop altogether. He’s an intriguing option and could be valuable for any contender if he lights it up down the stretch.

NJ.com | Brian Fonseca: DJ LeMahieu was ready to go entering this homestand. While the Yankees opted to play it slow with their All-Star infielder, it seems Aaron Boone has some confidence that DJ is close to being back. Boone said that the team is playing it smart with the days off the team finally has at their advantage, but LeMahieu could be a game-time decision for Wednesday’s matinee.

Newsday | Neil Best: Ryan Ruocco filled in for some big shoes over the past month. He took over the regular play-by-play duties in the YES Network booth for an ailing Michael Kay and having a brief stint in the WFAN radio booth covering for John Sterling. Kay will be returning soon, possibly as early as Friday for the beginning of the Red Sox series, but Ruocco has had a successful run with the opportunity given.