Yankees Put on Alert as Ryan McMahon’s Alarming Slump at the Plate Reaches Breaking Point

The biggest concern when the Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Rockies prior to the trade deadline was whether his bat — inconsistent even with the benefit of playing half of his games in Colorado — would provide enough at third base.

After a solid start with the Yankees, those concerns have proven to be warranted.

Though the lefty-swinging McMahon went 8-for-20 with a pair of doubles in his first six games as a Yankee, the past few weeks have been significantly worse.

And while he made several fine defensive plays at third base in Sunday’s 7-2 win over the Red Sox, he also hitless in his last 14 at-bats with nine strikeouts.

Ryan McMahon reacts after striking out during the Yankees’ Aug. 21 game.

Entering Sunday’s series finale against Boston in The Bronx, he was stuck in an 8-for-53 rut, with 19 strikeouts over that period.

There was hope McMahon would be able to take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field.

While he’s pulling the ball more than ever, he failed to go deep in his first 52 plate appearances there.

Ryan McMahon is pictured during the Yankees’ Aug. 11 game against the Twins.

Ryan McMahon celebrates after scoring during the Yankees’ Aug. 11 game.

At least McMahon’s defense at third base has been elite, as expected.

Nonetheless, an American League scout, who praised the McMahon trade when it was made and believed he would be rejuvenated by his new surroundings, has been disappointed.

“That first week was what I expected,’’ the scout said of his brief solid performance at the plate. “But I thought he would be able to be more consistent in such a potent lineup.”

McMahon made no excuses when asked about his failure to produce entering Sunday’s game.