In the first game of the American League Division Series, New York Yankees supporters cried out for manager Aaron Boone to start rookie Jasson Domínguez in left field instead of Alex Verdugo.
Considering what Verdugo accomplished in his Yankees playoff debut, Boone probably won’t hear the same talk before Game 2.
The former outfielder for the Boston Red Sox was instrumental in New York’s back-and-forth 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night at Yankees Stadium. Verdugo scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning with a single to left field after going 2-for-3 and walking out of the No. 9 spot in the lineup.
According to YES Network, Verdugo told reporters, “Every at-bat, every pitch in the playoffs matters and this is the kind of baseball that I love.”
Verdugo’s only other playoff appearance occurred in 2021, when he helped the Red Sox win the AL Championship Series. He hit.310 in that run with Boston, including one home run and six RBIs, suggesting that the intense atmosphere of the postseason brought out the best in him.
With the disastrous second half of the season, it was difficult to determine if Verdugo still had that in him. After the All-Star break, Verdugo, who the Red Sox sold to the Yankees this past winter for three arms, including pitching prospect Richard Fitts, batted.228 with just 16 RBIs and three home runs.
Many wanted Domínguez, the highly regarded prospect, to start as Verdugo’s permanent replacement and sit on the bench. Domínguez was given his chances, but Boone chose to trust Verdugo when the playoff lights came on, and it paid off.
“He probably hears some of it. According to YES Network, Boone told reporters, “That’s not always fun, especially when you’re a good player in this league.” “He was professional and prepared to perform his duties when it came to managing Jasson’s arrival, who was obviously playing a lot and requiring some time away from him. did some excellent work in the final moments when Jasson’s number was called.
“He probably hears some of it. According to YES Network, Boone told reporters, “That’s not always fun, especially when you’re a good player in this league.” “He was professional and prepared to perform his duties when it came to managing Jasson’s arrival, who was obviously playing a lot and requiring some time away from him. Did some really solid stuff when his number was called along with Jasson down the stretch. “He was clearly ready for this moment tonight.”
