In a season packed with ups and downs, the Yankees’ recent 5-2 defeat against the Cubs seemed to blend into the background—a mere bump on the road of a whopping 162-game marathon.

The Yankees' offense had been on a roll, scoring five or more runs in ten consecutive games, a feat not seen since the 2023 Braves and the longest since July 2012. But the energetic streak was bound to face a slowdown, especially against a dominant All-Star pitcher like Matt Boyd, who held the Yankees to a frustrating eight shutout innings.

However, lurking behind this loss is a shadow of uncertainty for the Yankees. This may have been just another game, but the ramifications could be serious. Max Fried developed a concerning blister on the mound, and Jonathan Loáisiga faced struggles of his own. With the trade deadline looming and Brian Cashman evaluating the pitching landscape, the team's internal pitching issues are emerging as critical challenges.

As the Yankees navigate this season, the hope is that the health of their key pitchers won’t transform into long-term concerns. With playoffs on the horizon, every game—and every pitcher’s health—matters more than ever.