New York Yankees: Another Aaron Boone decision results in a loss

It’s no secret that the 2023 season through the first 30 games has been frustrating for the New York Yankees. Injuries have played a part in their 15-15 start and the biggest one is to Aaron Judge, who was placed on the injured list on Monday.

Pitching has been an issue for manager Aaron Boone, aside from Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes (despite his last start against the Texas Rangers). Questions surround the rotation after their top two, and one pitcher they need to get back on track is Domingo German. In what could be considered the best start by any Yankees pitcher this season not named Cole or Cortes, Boone had to step in and continue to make blunders when it comes to taking a pitcher out of a game.

German was rolling into the ninth inning for New York Yankees, then disaster struck for Boone

German was on his game from the first pitch against the Cleveland Guardians Monday night. Through eight innings, he allowed just one hit and struck out five. He was utilizing his defense and they were backing up the righthander.

After striking out Myles Straw to begin the ninth, German allowed a single to Steven Kwan. The Yankees were holding a 2-0 lead and German was still dealing. There was no need to make a move. You rode his right arm to the ninth and the Yankees had lost three in a row against the Rangers to close out the weekend series in Texas. You needed a win and the obvious choice was to stay with German. He was on from the beginning and you need to let him try and finish it out. Boone didn’t.

Instead, he called on closer Clay Holmes and, once again, he was not able to deliver. He committed an error, gave up a single to Jose Ramirez, and then watched as the Guardians tied the game on an error. Just like that, 10 pitches after removing German, the lead was gone. Wandy Peralta ended up walking in the winning run with two outs.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees went 1-2-3. Game over. Another loss with another questionable decision by Boone, something he talked about after the game.

“I just thought it was the right decision to do that … Ultimately that falls on me.’’

Yes, it does fall on you. As a manager, you need to have a feel for the way things are going. Multiple decisions like this can cost you your job. German was cruising and in control. Yes, he gave up a single but, with just 88 pitches thrown, there was no need to overreact and remove him with one out. His stuff was still good. Go out and talk to him. Calm him down. To compound matters, Holmes has been shaky, and that too should have played a role in the decision. The Yankees needed a win, their pitcher was cruising, and Boone took him out in another decision that is a reason why they are bringing up the repeat in the American League East.

During his tenure as manager in the Bronx, Boone has made some questionable in-game decisions and this one is right up there. Ride the hot hand when you have it. He didn’t.