NEW YORK – Having just gone 2-for-2 this year in collecting AL Player of the Month awards, Aaron Judge was in a bit of a slide* entering Wednesday night.
*For the reigning, unanimous MVP, going 0-for-6 (but with three walks) in the last two games of a sensational 2025 season might just seem as if he’s overdue to break out.
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Batting .389, Judge singled twice Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, giving him an MLB-leading 28 multi-hit games this season.
But this was one of the quieter Yankee nights of the season, with Cleveland right-hander Luis Ortiz and three relievers prevailing in a 4-0 Guardians’ win before 36,759 fans.
Shut out for just the second time this season, here are five Yankees takeaways from Wednesday night:
Clarke Schmidt: A shaky opening
Jun 4, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) pitches in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
In the span of six batters, Cleveland took a 3-0 lead off Schmidt.
After a full-count walk to leadoff batter Steven Kwan, the right-handed Schmidt felt the heavily lefty Guardians lineup had “a really good approach’’ in hunting cutters, sweepers and curveballs inside.
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“Credit to them…especially from the top of the order,’’ said Schmidt, who gave up a two-run homer to No. 2 hitter Angel Martinez on a first-pitch cutter and doubles to Jose Ramirez and Daniel Schneemann.
From there, Schmidt lasted into the sixth inning and didn’t permit another run, retiring 15 of the last 19 batters he faced and matching a career high with eight strikeouts.
Increasing his use of the four-seam fastball, designed to get lefty hitters off his cutter, Schmidt generally kept the ball away and yielded just singles after the first inning.
Ben Rice: Trusting the process
Rice’s fast development in 2025 as a potent, reliable hitter is evident even in at-bats that don’t result in hits.
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After lining out to left in his first at-bat, Rice collected two singles (one an infield hit) out of the No. 2 spot, between Trent Grisham and Judge.
“Just stay with it,’’ Rice said of his process. “If you’re hitting the ball hard, more often than not you should be successful. Just got to tell yourself to stick with it.’’
Aaron Boone agreed. “We’ll sign up for that,’’ the manager said. “If he’s controlling the strike zone and continuing to hit the ball hard, he’s in a good spot.’’
Jun 4, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino throws out the first pitch prior to the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Fernando Cruz: A trusted reliever returns
Making his first appearance since May 17, the right-handed Cruz struck out the side in the eighth inning – but also yielded a solo homer.
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Kyle Manzardo’s two-out, eighth inning solo shot gave Cleveland a four-run lead. But afterward, there was satisfaction in Cruz’s initial outing off the injured list.
“Feel amazing. The velo was there, the stuff was there. I’m ready,’’ said Cruz, sidelined due to right shoulder inflammation.
The action on Cruz’s signature splitter was present, “tallying up three more of the worst swings I’ve seen,’’ Boone said of how that pitch can fool big-league hitters.
“Thought he was really good,’’ said Boone. “Good to see him get out there (and have) a reasonable pitch count (18).
Aaron Judge vs. Luis Ortiz
Jun 4, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a single in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Ortiz tossed 5.2 shutout innings with seven strikeouts, including one big strikeout of Judge.
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With two out and runners at first and second, Judge – batting as the tying run – looked at a called third strike on a 2-2 slider by Ortiz – who wasn’t as successful vs. the Yankees’ captain in April.
On April 23 at Cleveland, Judge went 2-for-2 with a walk against Ortiz, driving an RBI triple off the center field wall against the right-hander in a 5-1 Yankees’ win.
Emmanuel Clase closed out the Yanks in a non-save spot Wednesday, stranding runners at second and third by striking out Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. – who saw a 101-mph fastball followed by a 92-mph slider.
Jasson Dominguez: Due back Thursday
May 11, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) stands in the dugout against the Athletics in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
After sitting out the first two games against Cleveland, split by both clubs, Jasson Dominguez is due back in Thursday’s lineup according to Boone.
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The switch-hitting outfielder suffered a left thumb contusion in Sunday’s game at Dodger Stadium, leading into Monday’s team off date.
Before Wednesday’s game, Dominguez said his condition had improved. After taking some swings for the first time since Sunday, Dominguez “should be good to go” Thursday, said Boone.
Also, Giancarlo Stanton (elbow tendinitis) was traveling back to New York from Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, with Boone suggesting they’ll next determine the slugger’s next step, which could be a brief minor league rehab stint.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Clarke Schmidt’s pitching adjustment, Jasson Dominguez update: Yankees takeaways from a 4-0 loss to Cleveland