Yankees fall to Mets 6-5 on July 5, 2025, as Juan Soto haunts his former team. Marcus Stroman struggles in his return amid growing injury concerns for NY.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that started with the familiar buzz of a Subway Series showdown and ended in familiar frustration for the New York Yankees. A late-game collapse saw them fall 6-5 to the rival Mets at Citi Field, but the sting of the loss was amplified by a growing sense of dread as the team's pitching staff continues to be decimated by injuries.
The loss comes as the Yankees adjust to recent injuries in their pitching staff, with their record falling to 48-40.
The Bombers looked poised to take the series opener, but the bullpen couldn't protect a late lead. Former Yankee Juan Soto played the villain perfectly, leading the Mets' charge with a 3-for-4 night that included two key RBIs. For the Yankees, bright spots were few and far between, though Aaron Judge managed to reach base twice and the speedy Jasson Domínguez added two hits. Ultimately, the story of the game was the one that's haunted the Yankees before: a failure to close out a tight contest, dropping their record to a precarious 48-40.
The biggest question mark entering the game was the performance of Marcus Stroman, making just his second start since returning from the IL. The results were a mixed bag. Stroman battled for five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, but he also struck out a season-high four batters. While he kept the Yankees in the game and threw 81 pitches, his 7.45 ERA on the season shows he's still working his way back to form. His return was supposed to be a major boost, but now it feels more like a desperate necessity.
Just as Stroman returns, another key arm heads to the sideline. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt was officially placed on the injured list with forearm tightness, a deeply concerning diagnosis for any pitcher. His absence, coupled with reliever Fernando Cruz's recent oblique strain, has stretched an already thin pitching staff to its breaking point. The bullpen's inability to lock down the win against the Mets is a direct symptom of this roster strain. The Yankees are now forced to shuffle roles and hope for the best, a risky strategy heading into the heart of the season.
While the big league club struggles, there are glimmers of hope down on the farm. Catcher Jesus Rodriguez is showing off a cannon arm, throwing out 42% of would-be basestealers, while toolsy outfielder Dillon Lewis continues to flash his intriguing power-speed combo. These prospects are still a ways off, but their development is a crucial reminder that the organization is working to build the next wave of talent to reinforce a roster that is currently feeling the pressure.
The Yankees have to wash this one away quickly and try to even the Subway Series tomorrow. But the 6-5 final score feels secondary to the larger issue. With Schmidt and Cruz on the shelf, the pitching staff is walking a tightrope. How Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone navigate the next few weeks will define this crucial mid-season stretch and could determine whether the Bombers are true contenders or just another team battling the injury bug.
