The New York Yankees are now back on a losing skid against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ahead of their series finale on Thursday, the organization made a controversial decision to start Paul Blackburn, according to Underdog MLB (via X).
T. Grisham CF B. Rice DH J. Domínguez RF C. Bellinger 1B J. Caballero SS J. Chisholm Jr. 2B M. Schuemann LF R. McMahon 3B A. Wells C
P. Blackburn SP
Yankees Start Blackburn in Bullpen Game
GettyPaul Blackburn of the New York Yankees is starting on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays
Despite the criticism pouring in on social media regarding New York’s decision to start Blackburn, fans can expect to see him take the mound on Thursday.
Throughout his 2026 campaign, Blackburn has appeared in 30 games.
During that period, he’s logged a 2.22 ERA and 32 strikeouts across 44.2 innings of work. He’s walked 15 batters along the way.
Adding to the bullpen game frustrations, the Yankees’ offense will be hitting against the imposing Drew Rasmussen.
At the time of this writing, Rasmussen owns a 2.78 ERA and 96 strikeouts across 97.0 innings pitched through 17 starts.
For a handful of fans looking on, this doesn’t seem like an ideal time to play a bullpen game. However, this was a planned decision — not one made on a whim.
It must be noted that Blackburn has been rather impressive this season, particularly since early June.
During his 2025 campaign, he recorded an underwhelming 6.23 ERA and 34 strikeouts across 39.0 innings pitched.
That year, he appeared in 15 games, four of which he started.
His 2026 season marks his 10th year playing Major League Baseball.
Looking at the Yankees Right Now
GettyManager Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees are now back on yet another losing skid
One step forward, two steps back.
That’s been the theme of New York in recent weeks.
Skipper Aaron Boone has remained confident in his ballclub’s ability to gain momentum, but their performances say otherwise at this time.
After knocking down AL East division rivals, Tampa Bay, on Monday with a score of 5-1, confidence spiked.
However, the following day, the Yankees were handed a 6-4 loss. Then, on Wednesday, they faced a brutal 3-0 shutout.
Winning Thursday’s clash would mean tying the four-game series at Tropicana Field.
The series finale will commence at 1:10 p.m. ET.
At the time of this writing, the Rays still lead the AL East 54-36 overall.
They are a few wins ahead of the Yankees, who are riding a 50-42 overall record.
The Toronto Blue Jays (44-49), the Boston Red Sox (42-48) and the Baltimore Orioles (42-51) come in third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
New York has been sputtering on offense as their cold bats aren’t hitting well.
As Aaron Boone recently stated on July 8, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, “We’ve got to get some guys going. That’s reality. But ultimately, we’ve got to go do it. I do believe we’ll get through this, but there’s not much more to talk about. We’ve got to go make some things happen.”
New York is aiming to cement itself in the postseason, but right now, they’re not playing like serious contenders. Something must change.
Regardless of how Thursday’s clash plays out, the Yankees will head to Nationals Park to face the Washington Nationals through the weekend for a three-game stretch.
New York Yankees Announce Controversial Paul Blackburn Decision Before Rays Game