The New York Yankees finished an abysmal first month from the batter's box by ranking last in the majors in runs scored during April for the first time since 1984, per Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN Stats & Info).
With just 74 runs, the so-called Bronx Bombers finished with one fewer run than a struggling Atlanta Braves team that had a 5-18 record for the month.
To put this into perspective, the Braves notched just five home runs through the month of April and still managed to outscore New York (22 home runs).
Back in 1984, the Yankees overcame a slow start to rank fourth in the American League with 758 runs. The current squad may thus have some hope, even though it enters Sunday on pace for just 545 runs, with an 8-14 record to boot.
Second baseman Starlin Castro, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the offseason, is the only regular starter with a batting average above .300—and even he is only at .305.
The leadoff and No. 2 hitters, outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner, have a combined .244 batting average, though Gardner has at least drawn enough walks (11) to maintain a .369 on-base percentage.
The beauty of baseball is that there is almost always time enough to right the ship. But with their lack of depth from the rubber and struggles at the plate, the Yankees' ship seems to be sinking at a much faster pace than others.
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