The undefeated, untied, 2024 Yankees now face an inscrutable nemesis: Homeritus.

Three games in, three huge wins, three celebrations over our rivals, three blasts from players who spent the spring assuring us they were done swinging for the fences.

I'm not complaining. I've followed this Death Barge long enough to know the difference between tall cotton and a discarded Kleenex, and a 3-0 streak over slimy Houston brings hope, even if it is March and the winds outside rouse nipple-hardening memories of the Ice Bucket Challenge. 

But but BUT, some observations...

1. Congrats to Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera, whose HRs last night saved our pasty, pimpled butts. A special hat tip to Oswaldo, who - when interviewed by the Fox Sports postgame lackey -noted that the season is three games-old.

For Yank fans, here's the fear we all have: Oswaldo and Volpe hit a few HRs, feel the power of Gollum's precious ring, and abandon the discipline they've touted for two months. Volpe spent the winter trying to forget the uppercut swing that left him at .211 last year. Oswaldo has reflected on watching Soto's liners (one of which left the park last night), hopefully realizing the career danger of trying to hit every ball home to Venezuela.  

Last year, right around now, the Yankees unveiled several slugger sensations: Franchy Cordero, Willie Calhoun, Jake Bauers, et al. They hit a few HRs, fell in love with the right field porch, and dissolved. Volpe and Oswaldo must stay the course: They are not Judge. They are not Giancarlo. They are not sluggers. They are pests (in the positive sense of that word.)  

2. Clayton Beeter has been sent to Triple A, and 29-year-old Tanner Tully recalled, officially launching the 2024 Scranton Shuttle. The Railriders should change their name to the Busriders. Three games into 2024, the Yank bullpen is already under siege.    

The reason? We're lucky to get five innings from a starter. That leaves an oppressive workload for the bullpen, with no end in sight. (Yesterday, at Triple A, Scranton got a four-inning start by Cody Poteet, then burned three bullpen arms to get through the game.) This work wave will run through the entire Yankee organization - though all other teams will face it, as well. Pitching depth could decide the season.  

Still, it's not a good look for MLB: starters going four innings and replacements being tossed like greasy pizza boxes onto a bonfire. 

3. DJ LeMahieu has a broken foot. We should have suspected this. It will be two weeks before it is evaluated. He will miss April, probably May. At age 35, a foot heals slowly, and LeMahieu has proven to be a liability when trying to hit in pain. That's not a knock on him personally. He's just not the same.

So, it's up to Oswaldo's newfound confidence and Jon Berti, Miami's man of mystery. Still, I'm throwing in with Caleb Durbin, Old No. 96, our 5'6" Mini-Me at Scranton. Last night, the Durb went 1-4 with a double. He played third base. We need a Jose Altuve. 

Or somebody. We need a hero to come out of nowhere. Maybe it's Oswaldo. Maybe Berti. Maybe someone else?