Yankees Match Rare MLB Pitching Record

New York's pitching staff ties 80-year-old mark for fewest runs allowed to start a season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:35pm by Ben Kaplan

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The New York Yankees have matched a rare MLB record by allowing just 3 runs through their first 5 games of the 2026 season, tying the 1943 St. Louis Cardinals for the fewest runs given up to start a year. Despite not being at full strength, the Yankees' pitching staff has been dominant, with 3 shutouts and only 1 run allowed in each of the other 2 games.

Why it matters

This historic start by the Yankees' pitching staff is a testament to the team's depth and quality of arms, even with key players still working their way back from injuries. It's an impressive feat that has only been accomplished once in over 80 years, highlighting the Yankees' potential to have one of the league's best rotations when fully healthy.

The details

In their first 5 games, the Yankees have received strong outings from starters Max Fried, Ryan Weathers, and Paul Blackburn. Fried has been particularly impressive, tossing 13.1 scoreless innings, while Weathers and Blackburn each allowed just 1 earned run. The only other run given up by the Yankees came on a walk-off single against Will Warren.

  • The Yankees began the 2026 season on April 1st.
  • Through their first 5 games, the Yankees have allowed just 3 total runs.

The players

Max Fried

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who has tossed 13.1 scoreless innings to start the season.

Ryan Weathers

A Yankees starting pitcher who allowed 1 earned run in 4.1 innings against the Seattle Mariners.

Paul Blackburn

A Yankees starting pitcher who gave up 1 run in his outing against the Mariners.

Will Warren

A Yankees pitcher who allowed the team's lone run in 3 games against the San Francisco Giants.

1943 St. Louis Cardinals

The only other MLB team to allow 3 or fewer runs through their first 5 games of a season, matching the Yankees' current feat.

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What they’re saying

“Overall, the Yankees have permitted just three runs this season - tied with the 1943 Cardinals for the fewest by a team through its first five games.”

— Bryan Hoch, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The Yankees will look to continue their historic pitching pace as they face the Toronto Blue Jays, another top contender in the AL East, in their next series.

The takeaway

The Yankees' dominant start on the mound is a testament to the team's pitching depth and quality, even with key players still working their way back from injuries. This historic feat, matched only once in over 80 years, highlights the Yankees' potential to have one of the league's best rotations when fully healthy.