Contentious Yankees-Astros rivalry resurfaces: Bat incident involving Taylor Trammell marks another lopsided chapter in this feud
The Yankees and Astros have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to 2015, with the Astros eliminating the Yankees from the postseason four times in an eight-year span. This intense rivalry reached a new level in a recent game, as a controversy surrounding Taylor Trammell's bat took centre stage.
In the game, Trammell hit a ninth-inning double, but his bat was confiscated by the umpire crew following the play. Despite the bat controversy, Trammell was not called out on the play or ejected from the game. However, MLB has reportedly determined that Trammell's bat was in violation of Rule 3.02(c), which covers the colouring of the bat.
The signature moment of this rivalry remains Jose Altuve's pennant-clinching walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman in Game 6 of the 2019 ALCS. This victory sent the Astros to the World Series, where they went on to win their first championship in franchise history.
The sign-stealing scandal that rocked the baseball world in 2017 has also played a significant role in the Yankees vs. Astros rivalry. Mike Fiers, a former Astros pitcher, exposed an elaborate sign-stealing scheme employed by the Astros during their 2017 World Series season and in subsequent years. As a result, Astros manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow were suspended one year, and the team was docked draft picks and fined. However, no players were disciplined.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge and many others have been vocal about the sign-stealing scandal, with Judge stating that the 2017 World Series title held no value for him due to the scandal. CC Sabathia also expressed frustration that the sign-stealing scandal prevented him from potentially winning a title late in his career.
Despite the controversies, the Yankees and Astros have faced each other numerous times in the postseason, with the Astros holding the upper hand. However, in the most recent series, the Yankees emerged victorious, winning the series finale at Daikin Park (NYY 8, HOU 4).
As the season progresses, there is a chance that these two teams could run into each other once more in October. With the intensity of the rivalry and the recent bat controversy, fans can expect an exciting postseason matchup if the Yankees and Astros meet again.
Trammell's bat controversy is minor, as the bat was removed from play and it is unlikely he will face additional discipline. However, it serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense competition that characterises the Yankees vs. Astros rivalry.
In October 2021, Yankees GM Brian Cashman brought up the sign-stealing scandal, stating that it had prevented the Yankees from advancing in the past. As the two teams continue to face off, the sign-stealing scandal and the resulting controversies will likely continue to play a significant role in the rivalry.
The Yankees have won nine out of their last ten games in Houston against the Astros, and with the intensity of the rivalry and the talent on both teams, fans can expect an exciting matchup every time the Yankees and Astros meet.
