The Yankees beat the Phillies 4-3 on July 27, 2025, extending their win streak to six despite placing Aaron Judge on the IL. How did they pull it off?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it seemed the sky might be falling in the Bronx, the New York Yankees answered with a resounding statement. On the same day the team officially placed superstar Aaron Judge on the injured list, they dug deep to secure a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, extending their season-best winning streak to six games. It’s a testament to the club's 'next man up' mentality, proving that even without their captain, this team is a force to be reckoned with in the AL East.
This group finds a way to win, no matter the circumstances.
The biggest news of the day came before the first pitch, with the Yankees placing Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to July 25. While the specific nature of the injury remains undisclosed, losing the heart of the order is a massive blow. Judge's absence creates a significant void, both offensively and defensively. In his place, the team recalled left-handed pitcher Brent Headrick from Triple-A, a move that adds bullpen depth but underscores the challenge of replacing Judge's bat. The team's ability to win without him so far has been impressive, but the question remains: for how long can they sustain it?
Sunday's victory was a masterclass in seizing an opportunity. The Yankees did all their damage in a decisive second inning, batting around to hang four runs on the board. The rally was sparked by a clutch two-run double from Ryan McMahon, followed by a productive sacrifice fly from Austin Wells and an RBI single from Trent Grisham. That was all the offense they would need. While the Phillies fought back with three solo homers—two impressive shots from Otto Kemp and another from Nick Castellanos—the Yankees' bullpen was lights out, shutting the door and preserving the narrow 4-3 lead to secure the win and a 61-44 record.
With the team firing on all cylinders, the front office is looking to add reinforcements before the July 31 trade deadline. The victory doesn't mask the underlying need, particularly in the starting rotation. Rumors are heating up, with reports linking the Yankees to veteran Orioles starter Charlie Morton, who has posted a solid 3.47 ERA in his last 12 outings. While no deal was made Sunday, expect the front office to be working the phones aggressively over the next few days to bolster the roster for a deep postseason run.
The Yankees' organizational depth continues to be a major asset. While the big-league club fights for the pennant, top prospect Spencer Jones is putting on a show in Triple-A. His incredible three-homer game for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier this week is a reminder of the high-end talent waiting in the wings. Along with other promising prospects like George Lombard Jr. and Carlos Lagrange, the farm system is providing not just potential trade chips, but a glimpse of a very bright future in the Bronx.
The Yankees find themselves in a fascinating position: riding their longest winning streak of the season while simultaneously dealing with the loss of their best player. The next few days are critical. Can the team maintain this gritty, resilient identity? And what moves will the front office make before the July 31 deadline to push this team over the top? One thing is certain: this team has proven they can win under pressure, and the stretch run is about to get even more exciting.
