The Yankees were shut out 5-0 by the Royals on June 12, 2025, as Seth Lugo silenced Aaron Judge and the offense. Read how KC won the rubber match.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the New York Yankees were building momentum, the bats went completely silent in Kansas City. The Bombers were shut out 5-0 by the Royals on Thursday, a frustrating end to the series that saw the offense neutralized by starter Seth Lugo and the team's record fall back to a middling 8-8.
The Yankees managed just four hits against the Royals, with starter Seth Lugo dominating for seven scoreless innings while racking up eight strikeouts.
There's no other way to put it: the offense was a no-show at Kauffman Stadium. After putting up some runs earlier in the series, the lineup fell flat against a locked-in Seth Lugo. Aaron Judge managed a single in four at-bats, and Paul Goldschmidt went hitless. On the mound, top prospect Will Warren got the start and had a tough outing, surrendering four runs in five innings. It was a valuable, if difficult, learning experience for the young right-hander, but not the result he or the team wanted in a rubber match.
Adding to the on-field concerns, the team is holding its breath over Jazz Chisholm, who remains day-to-day with the neck tightness that forced him out of Tuesday's game. His dynamic presence is clearly missed, and Oswald Peraza will likely see an extended run at third base. On a brighter note, the back end of the bullpen remains a source of strength. While not needed today, Devin Williams was nails in securing his eighth save in the previous game, proving once again he's one of the most reliable closers in the game with a sub-2.00 ERA.
When the big-league club has a day like this, it's always comforting to look at the pipeline. Down in Double-A, the future was on full display. Top prospect George Lombard Jr. crushed his very first home run for the Somerset Patriots, a huge milestone. Not to be outdone, No. 2 prospect Spencer Jones launched his 11th homer of the year, continuing a monster season. It's a powerful reminder that the Yankees' farm system is churning out potential stars, with Jasson Domínguez and Will Warren already making their presence felt in the Bronx.
This loss stings, erasing the good vibes from the previous wins and dropping the Yankees back to .500. It's a stark reminder that this team's success hinges on its powerful offense showing up consistently. With injury questions lingering and a need to get back on track, the upcoming series is crucial. The talent is there—from the veteran bats to the bullpen anchor to the exciting wave of prospects—but now it's time to put it all together and leave these clunkers in the past.
