Aaron Boone in tight spot as Yankees struggle with lineup changes after 2-8 loss to LA Angels
Aaron Boone discusses tricky lineup change as Yankees hold the top position in AL East following regular season games.
Aaron Boone [Image Credit: Imago]
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone lands in the hot seat as per insider Jon Heyman of NY Post. Boone can very well be in a “pretty tough” spot if the team loses the first round of the playoffs this 2024 season.
The Yankees came off strong earlier in the regular season games but faded mid-way and all throughout July without any consistent victories on hand. However, following the addition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. in a trade with the Miami Marlins, they snatched their top spot in AL once again.
They are currently tied for the record of 68-47 in the American League. However, it seems like despite their current success it’ll be hard for Boone to hold onto his managerial position if the team cannot get wins in the playoffs. Heyman says they’ll “need to win at least one round” to keep Boone secure in the Bronx.
They have to get into the playoffs, first of all, and need to win at least one round...I think they desperately want to keep him around but if they’re knocked out in the first round, it’s going to be pretty tough so I would say that’s a pretty warm seat.Jon Heyman on Bleacher Report.
Hot corner, cool Jazz.
— MLB (@MLB) August 7, 2024
Aaron Boone tells @MLBNetworkRadio how impressed he's been with his new third baseman, Jazz Chisholm Jr. pic.twitter.com/rUrujAyQpR
Regardless of the NY Yankees‘ success in the past few years, there have been controversies where fans have shouted to fire Aaron Boone for the team’s continuous losing streak. Then again, a couple of players have also hit the ALCS twice in the last five seasons during his reign.
Will Aaron Boone’s future depend on new Aaron Judge and Juan Soto lineup?
NY Yankees manager Aaron Boone has recently talked about a possible lineup change between Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. However, both of them are proving to be strongholds in their current positions, making it complex.
Either the changes will prove to have exceptional results or the team could completely fall off prior to the playoff race. It’ll also become a crucial moment for Boone to secure his managerial spot for the long term. He’s been hesitant to re-adjust their roles noting their current lead in majors in OPS.
It was thought off after Judge got intentionally walked off three times by the Los Angeles Angels, and the Toronto Blue Jays in their recent games. If Soto gets moved, the Yankees could secure more hittable pitches for Judge in the second position. Considering, how they failed to counter their captain getting walked, this strategy could become a game changer.
Aaron Judge (219) and Juan Soto (187) are on pace to become the first teammates since Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to post a 185 OPS+ or higher in the same season (min 450 PA).
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 7, 2024
Ruth and Gehrig did so 4 times. pic.twitter.com/cMacG1MBPz
Boone also talked about setting up Austin Wells to hit behind Aaron Judge. After the Game 1 win, he thought Wells would do well in that position considering his progress in recent days. When asked about what he feels like to hit after Judge, and the rival teams aiming at him, he said,
If I was them, I’d be walking Judge too. I’m not taking it personal, but I look forward to the challenge.Austin Wells as per Phillip Martinez of SNY.
"I think this is what he is and it just took him a minute to get it."
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) August 7, 2024
Aaron Boone talks about Austin Wells becoming a middle-of-the-order bat for the Yankees: pic.twitter.com/PjH9LSQr9J
On the other hand, Will Warren was sent back to the minor leagues, after his disastrous Yankee stadium debut. Whatever, Boone’s decision is for the lineup change, it’ll be interesting to see whether the team gets a boost up or sinks themselves. Boone’s future may also be very dependent on this year’s results.
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2156 Articles Published)