"Not with Finnegan... he's a killer against lefties" - Yankees manager Aaron Boone explains decision not to pinch-hit for DJ LeMahieu vs Nationals
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided not to pinch-hit for first baseman DJ LeMahieu in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals which may have cost his team. The National ultimately went on to win 4-2 on Tuesday night, tying the series after losing the opening game.
After the game, Boone explained that Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan's impressive record against lefties is the reason why he chose to stick with LeMahieu in the ninth, saying:
"Not with Finnegan. Even though our lefties had some really good at-bats, he's a killer against lefties. No, not there."
Aaron Boone is a former MLB player who spent over a decade playing in the major leagues, representing several teams during that period, including the Yankees. After retiring in 2009, the former first baseman was appointed manager of the Yankees in 2018 and has taken them to the playoffs every season since, barring last year. After one of the worst seasons in franchise history in 2023, Boone and the Yankees have been doubly motivated in their pursuit of a World Series title.
After a commanding win over the Washington Nationals on Monday, the Yankees found themselves 4-1 down heading into the ninth inning on Tuesday. An Anthony Volpe RBI groundout made the score 4-2 for the Bronx Bombers and Boone had the option to pinch-hit for DJ LeMahieu but chose not to.
While Boone said that his decision was due to closer Kyle Finnegan's record against lefties, the Yankees righties had no luck either. Finnegan ultimately went on to secure the save after a Gleyber Torres flyout into center field.
Aaron Boone addresses Yankees' poor defensive performance in loss vs Nationals
During Tuesday's loss, the Yankees committed several defensive errors which saw started pitcher Gerrit Cole struggle over five innings. As a result, Boone had to answer some tough questions. Speaking to reporters after the game, he said:
“We did not play clean tonight defensively."
On the other hand, take nothing away from Nationals starter Patrick Corbin, who pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and recording six strikeouts. It was an impressive all-round performance from the Washington side, which will undoubtedly boost their confidence heading into the deciding game of the series on Wednesday.