Aaron Boone says he ‘can’t really fault anyone’ for what took place in controversial White Sox-Twins game
In the latest kerfuffle over baseball’s unwritten rules, here’s where Aaron Boone stands: “That game, once a position player is in there pitching, I can’t really fault anyone for anything in that spot,” the Yankees manager said.
“That game,” of course, is the White Sox-Twins tilt earlier this week in which Yermín Mercedes homered on a 3-0 pitch with Twins infielder Willians Astudillo pitching in a blowout.
Mercedes did not follow a “take” sign, according to his own manager, Tony La Russa, and La Russa chastised his player for swinging at the pitch and seemingly approved of the Twins throwing behind Astudillo the next day. Some of La Russa’s other players supported their teammate.
It’s caused quite a stir in baseball. Boone said “I didn’t really have an issue” with Mercedes swinging. “Had that been a pitcher out there in a 10-run game, I might have had an issue with it,” Boone added. “There’s a level of sportsmanship that I think absolutely exists and should exist.”
Boone added that he’s not necessarily in favor of a 10-run mercy rule, “but it’s worth discussing, at least, because then you don’t have to worry about, am I six runs up, am I allowed to steal? Is this going to make this guy mad? No, we’re playing to get to that point (10 runs ahead).”
TORRES BACK
The Yankees activated Gleyber Torres off the COVID IL and he was back at shortstop, batting fifth. To make room on the roster, Rougned Odor went on the paternity list after his wife gave birth to a baby girl. Odor is expected to return tomorrow, Boone said. “Everyone’s doing well,” Boone added.
STANTON IMPROVING
Giancarlo Stanton (quad) had a “really good day” Tuesday, Boone said. “Definitely encouraged by the amount of stuff he was able to do and I know he felt really good, even though it was just cage BP. Another step forward.”...Gary Sánchez, who left Tuesday’s game with cramping in his left hamstring, was available Wednesday night, Boone said. He did not play because he was slated to have the day off and start Thursday’s afternoon game instead...Ryan LaMarre started in right field because Clint Frazier is “dealing with some neck things,” Boone said. “I don’t know if it’s stiffness or what. But we’re kinda looking into that and what it could mean.”
