New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has faced numerous challenges this spring, especially after ace Gerrit Cole’s recent Tommy John surgery. However, Boone likely won’t find much sympathy from Yankees fans.
While Boone is not to blame for the string of injuries sidelining players like designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows), infielder DJ LeMahieu (calf), and pitcher Luis Gil (lat), his recent comments have frustrated the fanbase.
Boone notably downplayed Cole’s injury, calling it not a “death blow” despite the team’s mounting issues. More frustration followed on Tuesday when Boone cast doubt on former Atlanta Braves All-Star Max Fried starting Opening Day. “It might not line up,” Boone told reporters, as noted by MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Boone did not reveal who would start on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers, but Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman, who finished last year in the bullpen after a tough second half, are likely candidates. Fans on social media were quick to express their frustrations. One user posted, “This franchise literally doesn’t know how to do anything… it’s almost [too] sad to laugh at this point.” Another added, “Make it make sense! They have 2 weeks until the 1st game. Set the tone with Cole out and have Max pitch the opener.”
- Aaron Boone
While some defended Boone’s reasoning, others questioned why the Yankees wouldn’t adjust their spring rotation to ensure Fried, who signed a five-year, $218 million deal this offseason, gets the ball. “Boone always has an excuse,” one fan complained. “Max is now the ace. It’s March 11, Opening Day is 17 days away. He can shuffle a few things around and have him ready for the mound.”
Even the most loyal Yankees fans are growing disillusioned with Boone, who has managed the team since 2018. One comment read, “I love them, but when big hoss Gerrit Cole goes down with Tommy John, the optics of big-dollar free agent Max Fried not stepping up to take the ball on opening day are definitely sub-optimal.”
Fans aren’t asking for Fried to throw 110 pitches, but they do want the best possible option to start the season, rather than an inconsistent lefty or a pitcher who refused to come out of the bullpen this spring. “One day change should not completely destroy Fried’s arm,” wrote another fan. “Fried is our ace for the season. Treat him as such.”
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