UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the New York Yankees suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series on September 26, 2023. Manager Aaron Boone faced intense scrutiny after his decision to pull ace pitcher Max Fried after just 61⁄3 scoreless innings.
Fried, who was dominant with only four hits allowed and 63 strikes from 102 pitches, was lifted despite having a strong outing. Boone originally planned to pull him after the sixth inning but changed his mind after Fried induced a crucial double play in the seventh. However, after Fried handed the game to the bullpen, disaster struck.
Reliever Luke Weaver walked the first batter he faced and quickly allowed a two-run single to Masataka Yoshida, sealing the Yankees’ fate. The bullpen’s struggles continue to haunt the Yankees, with a season ERA of 4.37, ranking 23rd out of 30 teams.
“I felt like his command was not as good those final few,” Boone stated, defending his decision. “He gave us what we needed… but I felt pretty convicted,” he added.
Despite a solid start highlighted by Anthony Volpe‘s solo home run, the Yankees were unable to capitalize when it mattered most. In the ninth inning, they loaded the bases with no outs but failed to score, with relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman escaping the jam against his former team.
Paul Goldschmidt, who sparked the rally, expressed disappointment, saying, “One hit there and we tie the game. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but a good job to give ourselves a chance.” The Yankees, now facing elimination, must regroup quickly to stay alive in the postseason.
Next up: The Yankees will look to bounce back in Game 2, with the pressure mounting on Boone and his bullpen to deliver a solid performance. Fans are left wondering if Boone’s controversial decision will haunt the team in this critical moment.
