For the majority of his eight starts this season, Franklin Morales has been a valuable contributor to the starting rotation.
But his two worst starts of the season have come against the Yankees. While the downpour at Yankee Stadium in Friday's 6-4 loss initially affected Morales' performance, the Yankees still victimized him with the long ball when the weather cleared up.
Through the first five innings, Morales surrendered a mere four hits, but they wound up resulting in four costly solo home runs to Nick Swisher, Curtis Granderson, Russell Martin and Derek Jeter.
It was reminiscent of his first start against New York on July 7 at Fenway Park, when Morales yielded four shots to the Yankees. Swisher, Jayson Nix and Andruw Jones –– who clubbed two –– each punished him in that go-around.
There's no reason to worry about Morales' starting future even after this, though. When it comes to adjusting to a starting role, pitchers are undoubtedly going to have their struggles.
Still, although it's still early in Morales' starting career, the Yankees are evolving into his kryptonite. During his two outings against the Bronx Bombers, the 26-year-old has allowed a total of eight homers.
In his other 34 appearances this season, both as a reliever and starter, Morales has given up just three round-trippers. Between his other six starts, he's only surrendered one long ball, which took place in his last start against Cleveland.
If Morales faces the Yankees again, he'll likely need to make adjustments. After two starts against the AL East rivals, he's allowed 12 hits, 11 earned runs and three walks to go along with five strikeouts.
Clearly, it's an aberration from his other outings. Also keep in mind the Yankees lead Major League Baseball in home runs.
Despite the setbacks against New York, Morales still offered reasons to remain optimistic. Had the pitcher allowed runners on the base paths, the results and the damage would've been more disappointing.
Considering the damage has been limited to solo shots –– for the most part –– it's a sign that Morales is throwing with discipline.
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