Brian Cashman must be excited this morning. Rizzo gets an epidural shot for his back and will be out this weekend. Benintendi feels a pop in his wrist while swinging and is going for an MRI today. That will not be a good outcome. Assuming that Aaron Hicks is not in the lineup, Cashman can now field an entirely right-handed lineup. Perfect in Yankee Stadium with the short porch in right field (not). Opponents are going to make sure that they throw only right-handed pitchers against the Yankees the rest of the way.

The epic collapse this year is in full swing now on this road trip. The Yankees’ road record is down to 34 – 33. Amazing after the great start to the season. The fans on Twitter are up in arms and are looking to fire both Boone and Cashman. SU does not feel like it’s Boone’s fault. The roster offensively is so limited – he has has few choices to mix and match. The Montgomery trade was a head scratcher (6 shutout innings last night for the Cardinals) and Montas is looking like a big-time bust.

As pointed out by long-time subscriber, M. Benowich,a few weeks ago, losing the division title this year will go down in the record books as an all-time collapse. That was a 15-game lead at one point. They may hang on as Tampa Bay and Toronto have a lot of head-to-head games remaining but the Yankees need a spark from somewhere and it’s likely going to have to be a minor leaguer.

SU has to comment on Serena Williams. While I have never been a fan, I have no issue with the tennis world giving her a nice send-off in this US Open. Now, the coverage on ESPN has been way over the top (I mean there are limits to this). SU’s issue with Serena goes back to her behavior at the US Open in two events where she threatened a lineswoman in one and then the umpire more recently. Zero mention of any of those incidents anywhere as no doubt it is all chalked up to “she’s an uber competitor who has fought for everything her entire life.” Fair statement. My other issue is that when Serena wins, it’s all about Serena. When she loses, it’s all about Serena. Usually no mention about the opponent and maybe being outplayed or giving credit to the other player. Same story last night for Tomljanovic who played the match of her life at 29 under the most trying circumstances. She prevailed in 3 hours with 23,000 fans cheering every service fault.

Yes, yes, yes – I get it. This was Serena’s moment but for SU, just continued a career long pattern. That’s it – you can disagree and I have no issue with that.

I think Alcaraz is now ready to break through with his first major. Nadal seems vulnerable as he continues to play himself into shape, and he would have to beat Alcaraz and Medvedev to win it all. Certainly possible but it feels like a big lift when he is not 100% health-wise.