UPDATE: Yankees manager Aaron Boone is facing intense scrutiny after his controversial decision to pull Max Fried in the seventh inning, leading to a 3-1 defeat against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series on September 26, 2023.
Fried delivered a stellar performance, throwing 6⅓ scoreless innings with just four hits allowed, but Boone’s choice to switch to the bullpen proved disastrous. Moments after Fried induced a crucial double play and reached 99 pitches, Boone opted to remove him, a decision that would haunt the Yankees.
In a critical sequence, Luke Weaver walked the very first batter he faced, allowing a double followed by a two-run single from Masataka Yoshida. The Yankees’ bullpen, often unreliable, allowed Boston to extend their lead. Boone defended his actions, stating that Fried faced increasing pressure in later innings, which influenced his decision to pull the ace lefty.
“I felt like his command was not as good those final few,” Boone remarked. He had initially planned to lift Fried after the sixth, but the successful double play led him to reconsider. Fried himself expressed confidence, stating, “I had enough in the tank for whatever the team needed,” after believing he could continue.
The Yankees entered the ninth inning trailing, but had a golden opportunity to tie the game with the bases loaded and no outs. However, Boone’s decisions earlier in the game, combined with the bullpen’s struggles, meant they could not capitalize, leading to more frustration for fans and players alike.
Weaver, who has struggled since returning from injury, faced his own challenges on the mound. “I just got to be better,” he admitted after failing to secure an out. Boone’s pitching choices have sparked criticism, particularly given the Yankees’ 4.37 ERA bullpen ranking, which is among the lowest in the league.
As the Yankees look ahead, Boone’s decisions will be scrutinized even more in the coming games. The team’s performance in the wild card series hangs in the balance, and fans are left wondering if they have what it takes to advance.
With the postseason on the line, every pitch counts, and the Yankees must regroup quickly. “One hit there and we tie the game,” said Paul Goldschmidt, who was part of a rally that ultimately fell short. As tensions rise, all eyes will be on Boone and the Yankees as they face the Red Sox once again.