Yankees beat Rays 7-5 on July 29, 2025, as Anthony Volpe's bat and Cody Bellinger's 20th HR fuel a comeback. Can Volpe's offense outweigh his defense?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a crucial Tuesday night in the Bronx, the Yankees showcased the very best and the most confounding parts of their 2025 season. They fell behind early, only to storm back with a 7-5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, fueled by the long ball and gutsy performances. It was a win that felt essential, keeping them just four games behind Toronto in the AL East race. But at the center of it all was Anthony Volpe, a player whose electrifying offense is currently locked in a battle with his own glove.
Anthony Volpe, who hit his fifth home run in 11 games, continues to lead all of Major League Baseball with 15 errors.
Things looked bleak early on as the Yankees fell into a 3-0 hole. But Max Fried settled in, retiring 14 straight batters at one point before running into trouble in the seventh. The offense, however, refused to quit. Cody Bellinger delivered the biggest blow, a towering three-run shot for his 20th homer of the season that tied the game. The momentum shifted for good in the fourth when Anthony Volpe laced a go-ahead RBI single, then manufactured another run with pure hustle, stealing third and scoring on a throwing error. A key RBI single from Paul Goldschmidt and clutch bullpen work from Jonathan Loáisiga, who escaped jams in the seventh and eighth with help from a critical Volpe-turned double play, sealed the much-needed win.
You can't talk about last night's win without focusing on Anthony Volpe. Offensively, he's on another planet right now, with five homers in his last 11 games and the game-winning RBI. He's the engine of this offense. Defensively, however, it's a different story. His 15th error of the season keeps him at the top of a list no shortstop wants to lead. While he did turn a massive double play to help Loáisiga, the inconsistency with the glove remains a glaring issue. It's the central paradox of the Yankees' season: can they ride Volpe's hot bat all the way to October, even if his defense continues to be a liability?
This win keeps the Yankees firmly in the AL East picture, making the next 24 hours before the trade deadline absolutely critical. The team's performance highlights both its strengths and weaknesses, suggesting the front office may be active. The good news is the farm system provides flexibility. Reports note the Yankees' pitching depth, with prospects like catcher Jesus Rodriguez (throwing out 42% of basestealers) and power-speed outfielder Dillon Lewis serving as valuable trade chips. This depth allows the Yankees to pursue rentals and role players to plug holes without having to trade for a superstar, a crucial advantage as they look to make a final push.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday's series finale. Rookie Will Warren gets the ball, tasked with securing a massive series win against the Rays. With the team at 58-49 and the trade deadline clock ticking, every pitch and every at-bat feels magnified. Another win could solidify the front office's decision to be buyers, adding the final pieces for a serious postseason run.
