Report: Yankees’ Aaron Boone gives harsh response to Alex Rodriguez question after humiliating Rockies loss
The New York Yankees suffered a humiliating 9-2 defeat to the struggling Colorado Rockies on Saturday at home. However, there was a silver lining for struggling left fielder Alex Verdugo, who finally had a reason to smile after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning, ending an 0-for-21 slump.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone believes that Verdugo’s home run could be a turning point for him, as he shared with YES Network.
“He’s definitely been, when you look through our lineup, one of those guys that’s been a little bit unlucky,” Boone said. “Whether he’s been going through a struggle, that one ball he squares up and seems to find a glove. Again, last two days, a couple of key at-bats, good at-bats, a walk. Another walk today ahead of the home run, and then a great play by [Ryan] McMahon to rob him of a couple of hits, three-on-base day. Gotta just keep plugging away at it, and take the small victories you get that hopefully propel him a little bit.”
Boone consistently supports his players, even when they’re underperforming, but he may have a point with Verdugo. The former Boston Red Sox player has struggled this season, slashing .227/.290/.358 compared to his career averages of .272/.329/.416. It’s not unreasonable to expect that the veteran can return to his usual form as the season progresses.
However, for that to happen, Verdugo will need to string together more consistent performances like Saturday’s, rather than just sporadic ones.
Boone’s optimism didn’t end there; the 51-year-old manager also praised a young pitcher on the team.
Aaron Boone has faith in Yankees hurler Will Warren
Alex Verdugo, who homered, & losing pitcher Will Warren were two focal points when Aaron Boone spoke to @M_Marakovits & the media following Saturday's loss. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/JNwkS61Tf8
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 24, 2024
New York rookie Will Warren has faced a tough start in the big leagues. The 25-year-old was hit hard by the Colorado Rockies, giving up six runs (five earned) on seven hits, a walk, and two balks in just three innings.
“Even when he struggles, you can see the potential,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized. “You see the swing-and-miss stuff, and the arsenal that’s capable of getting outs. But at times, he’d get ahead in the count, then throw some non-competitive pitches that let them back in, followed by a costly mistake. That’s part of the growth and development process, and I believe he’ll keep improving. He just needs to focus on maintaining leverage in the count and executing his pitches better.”
Despite Warren’s 9.68 ERA after four starts, Boone doesn’t believe the young pitcher will lose confidence.
“I like his demeanor on the mound. He’s not afraid, and he’s confident,” Boone added. “But he’s taken some lumps, and hopefully, these are lessons that help him grow because he has the pitches to succeed.”
Warren, who is aware of his struggles, has accepted the need for improvement, as he told Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post.
“It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster,” Warren admitted about his rookie season. “I’ve just got to find a way to be consistent. It comes down to minimizing damage. I just need to be better.”
With fellow rookie Luis Gil now on the IL, the Yankees will be looking for Warren to step up and deliver quality innings as they prepare their pitching staff for the playoffs.