MLB rumors: Ohtani trade buzz, Boone’s seat temp, Dodgers demote prospect
By Josh Wilson
Aaron Boone’s job security is in question, clearly
The New York Yankees ended their first half on an embarrassing note Sunday. With the chance at winning a home series against the Chicago Cubs, it seemed as though New York was going to go into the All-Star break on a high note.
Think again. The Yankees lost 7-4, giving up three runs in the seventh, two in the eighth, and one in the ninth. They led 4-1 going into the final three innings.
Though it wasn’t simply this game that led to the decision, Brian Cashman sent a signal that he’s not playing around by firing hitting coach Dillon Lawson who has been with the team for several years. Cashman is known for not making managerial or coaching changes midseason, but New York has the third-worst batting average in the majors this season. There was not much of a choice for Cashman to make.
The decision firmly plants Aaron Boone on the hot seat, Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty both think. In a piece for The Athletic,both writers said the move has to put Boone on high alert (subscription required) and creates even more pressure for him to lead the Yankees to a more successful second half.
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With Cashman willing to let go of his midseason change rule, Boone is next if the Yankees don’t perform. Just look around the majors and consider teams that have excelled due to managerial changes. The Phillies made it to the World Series after making a swap midseason last year. Boone has his work cut out for him since the AL East is perhaps the toughest division in the major league.
Boone did not do himself any favors on Sunday, as his decision-making was subpar. Domingo German, who threw a perfect game just two starts ago, was perfect through four again and had a one-hitter going until Aaron Boone took him out after six innings with 74 pitches. The move, situationally, made some sense since Seiya Suzuki was up to bat next, and German had surrendered a home run to him earlier in the game. But not trusting your starting pitcher who has one of 24 perfect games ever, that’s unacceptable.