In a bizarre turn of events, New York Yankees outfielder Austin Slater etched his name in team history during Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Tigers. With the Yankees trailing 11-1, Slater took the mound to relieve the beleaguered pitching staff. While the score wasn't pretty, Slater managed a feat that's sure to be remembered: he threw the slowest pitch in Yankees history!
Slater tossed a curveball clocked at a measly 36.4 miles per hour. This astonishingly slow delivery broke the previous record (since the Statcast era began in 2015) held by Isiah Kiner-Falefa by more than 2 MPH. It was Slater's second MLB pitching appearance, the first being for the Giants in 2021.
Adding to the oddity, Slater was the only Yankees pitcher in the game who didn't allow a run. He pitched 0.2 innings, maintaining his career ERA at a perfect 0.00. While the Tigers teed off on the Yankees bullpen for the second straight night, Slater provided a moment of levity and a unique piece of Yankees trivia.
The Detroit Tigers defeated the Yankees 11-1 for the second consecutive game. Gleyber Torres, in his return to Yankee Stadium, received a warm welcome from fans and drove in three runs for the Tigers. Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, and Colt Keith each contributed two-run home runs, solidifying the Tigers' victory. The Tigers (84-62) are now close to clinching their first Central crown since 2014.
Tigers Dominate Yankees, Eye Playoffs
The Tigers' offensive explosion continued as they swept the Yankees in the series. With a commanding lead in the American League Central, Detroit is poised to make a playoff run. Can Tarik Skubal win back-to-back Cy Young Awards? The team is looking strong heading into the final stretch of the season.
Key Takeaways:
- Austin Slater threw the slowest pitch in Yankees history (36.4 mph).
- Slater was the only Yankees pitcher not to allow a run.
- The Detroit Tigers defeated the Yankees 11-1 for the second straight night.
- Gleyber Torres had a successful return to Yankee Stadium.
- The Tigers are close to clinching the AL Central title.