Mitchell was a 17-year-old pitcher in 1931 when she struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game, but questions about that exploit linger.
With James Paxton injured, the Yankees employed a so-called opener to start the game. The strategy paid off thanks to a seven-run explosion in the sixth inning.
Despite 17 players spending time on the injured list this year, the Yankees have kept pace in the A. L. East with smart moves rather than splashy ones.
In an era of baseball’s richest teams dominating smaller-market clubs, Tampa Bay has managed a third way: spending less and winning more through ceaseless innovation.