UPDATE: Yankees manager Aaron Boone is facing intense scrutiny following his decision to pull starter Max Fried after 6⅓ scoreless innings in a crucial 3-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series on September 26, 2023. As the Yankees’ bullpen faltered, Boone’s controversial move has left fans and analysts questioning his judgment.
Boone revealed that he planned to lift Fried after the sixth inning but opted to let him face one more batter after a pivotal double play left him at 99 pitches. Fried managed to secure an out, but once Boone turned to the bullpen, disaster struck. Right-hander Luke Weaver walked the first batter and allowed a two-run single to Masataka Yoshida, which ultimately sealed the Yankees’ fate.
“I felt like his command was not as good those final few,” Boone stated, defending his decision. Fried had given the Yankees a strong outing, allowing just four hits and throwing 63 of his 102 pitches for strikes. He expressed confidence post-game, stating, “I definitely felt good at the end,” asserting he could have continued.
The Yankees took an early lead with a solo home run from Anthony Volpe, but the momentum shifted quickly after Fried was replaced. Boone’s choice to bring in Weaver, who has struggled since returning from injury, backfired as he failed to retire any of the three batters he faced. Weaver himself expressed disappointment, saying, “I know there’s a lot of disappointed people, including myself, but I just got to be better.”
In a game that saw 17 consecutive batters retired by Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet, Boone’s decisions were further scrutinized for the absence of key left-handed hitters in the lineup. With a bullpen ERA of 4.37, which ranks 23rd out of 30 teams, the Yankees’ pitching depth has become a critical concern as they face elimination.
Fans are left wondering what could have been, especially after the Yankees loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth inning but failed to capitalize. “One hit there and we tie the game,” lamented Paul Goldschmidt, who ignited the rally with a single.
As the Yankees look to bounce back in this crucial series, all eyes will be on Boone’s next moves. Can he rally his team and avoid further criticism, or will the bullpen’s struggles continue to haunt the Yankees in their quest for postseason success? The stakes are high as the team prepares for Game 2 against the Red Sox.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
