Boone’s Verdugo gambit succeeds, but will the Yankees ride the hot hand?
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Follow UsYankee Stadium buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension as 48,790 fans packed in for the team’s first postseason game since 2022. Alex Verdugo, however, didn’t receive the warmest of welcomes. Some fans greeted him with boos during the pregame introductions, and manager Aaron Boone also found himself the target of boos from the crowd.
But the manager’s decision to start Verdugo in left field over rookie Jasson Dominguez turned out to be a game-changer. Verdugo silenced the doubters with a standout performance in the Yankees’ 6-5 win over the Royals in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Hitting ninth in the lineup, Verdugo reached base three times, including two critical hits. His biggest moment came in the seventh inning, delivering a go-ahead single that broke a 5-5 tie and ultimately secured the victory for New York.
The game featured a record-setting five lead changes, the most ever in a postseason game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Yankees had trouble holding early leads of 2-1 and 4-3, with the Royals pulling ahead 5-4 in the sixth. However, Verdugo’s leadoff walk in the bottom of that inning ignited a rally, and rookie catcher Austin Wells later tied the game with a clutch two-out hit to right field.
Verdugo’s game-winning hit came against reliever Michael Lorenzen, driving in Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had stolen second base in a play that survived a video review. The moment captured the tension and unpredictability that defines October baseball.
Although Verdugo had a lackluster regular season, Boone opted to start him based on his experience, defensive ability, and past performance as a reliable hitter. Verdugo also contributed defensively, making a spectacular sliding catch in the fourth inning to rob Michael Massey of a potential extra-base hit. The play, which saw Verdugo momentarily juggle the ball before grabbing it with his bare hand, saved a run and highlighted why Boone trusted him in this high-stakes setting.
Verdugo’s timely heroics reinforced the value of managerial decisions and veteran experience in the playoffs, proving that even underperforming players can step up when it matters most.
Verdugo turns to be Yankees’ ALDS Game 1 hero
As summer wore on and Alex Verdugo’s batting average plummeted, placing him among the least effective qualified hitters in Major League Baseball, Yankees manager Aaron Boone stood by the left fielder. This unwavering support continued even as Jasson Dominguez’s impressive September performance put Verdugo’s position at risk, despite mounting fan pressure for a lineup change.
Boone’s faith was rewarded in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Royals. Selected to start in left field, Verdugo made significant contributions on both offense and defense, reaching base three times, including a crucial go-ahead single in the seventh inning of the Yankees’ victory.’
The game was marked by a dramatic back-and-forth battle, featuring an unprecedented five lead changes, according to MLB statistician Sarah Langs. The Yankees secured the win despite subpar outings from ace Gerrit Cole and star slugger Aaron Judge.
Verdugo’s 2-for-3 outing, which featured a walk and two runs scored, played a vital role in the Yankees’ success. His pivotal moment came in the seventh inning when he connected for an opposite-field single off Michael Lorenzen, bringing home Jazz Chisholm Jr. for the decisive run.
Verdugo emphasized the importance of teamwork in postseason play, highlighting how every at-bat and pitch contributes to a team’s success. Reflecting on his performance, he noted the unique chance for redemption that playoff baseball offers.
“You can make up for a lot of things in the playoffs,” Verdugo said. “This kind of baseball is going to take everybody. Every at-bat, every pitch in the playoffs matters, and this is the kind of baseball that I love.”
This performance underscores the unpredictability of postseason baseball and showcases how players can overcome regular-season struggles when it matters most. It also highlights the significance of managerial confidence in players during tough stretches, demonstrating how such belief can yield positive results in crucial moments.
Verdugo proves Boone right
Alex Verdugo’s emotional reaction to his game-changing hit was unmistakable as he reached second base, raising his arms in a gesture that conveyed relief from the weight of recent pressures.
Before the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone underscored Verdugo’s reliable defensive performance as a key reason for his decision to start him. Boone also expressed confidence in Verdugo’s ability to deliver offensively, a belief that was validated by the left fielder’s strong showing on Saturday.
After the game, Boone elaborated on his choice, highlighting Verdugo’s overall skill set. He emphasized the importance of looking at a player’s potential future contributions rather than focusing solely on past struggles. Boone noted Verdugo’s enthusiasm for postseason play and his history of succeeding in high-pressure scenarios, hoping this performance would enhance his confidence moving forward.
“He’s a good all-around player, and it’s not always what you did, it’s what you’re capable of doing moving forward,” the Yankees manager praised Verdugo following the win. “I think he’s been champing at the bit for postseason baseball. He’s had experience doing it before. He’s had success doing it before. I think this is one of those things that hopefully gives him a lot of confidence moving forward.”
Verdugo, who learned of his starting role just days before the game, reflected on the challenges he faced, including a period of harsh criticism from the home crowd in September. He candidly admitted to moments where he let situations spiral out of control and expressed dissatisfaction with his reduced playing time late in the season, as Jasson Dominguez took on a larger role.
This honest reflection from Verdugo, combined with his key contributions in the playoff game, illustrates the mental and emotional hurdles professional athletes endure, particularly during tough times. It also highlights the potential for redemption and the vital role that managerial support plays in helping players navigate challenging periods.
Verdugo shared that he coped with his recent struggles by leaning on his teammates for support, who encouraged him not to let his offensive challenges define his season. To enhance his physical condition, he also hired a personal chef, which he believed revitalized his energy levels.
The left fielder showcased his defensive skills in the fourth inning, making a sliding catch near the left-field foul line to help Gerrit Cole escape a jam and prevent at least one run. He further displayed his fielding acumen in the sixth inning, holding Yuli Gurriel to a single on a sharply hit ball off the wall, despite the Royals managing to score two unearned runs after an error by Anthony Volpe.
Verdugo noted the team’s eagerness to perform under pressure, comparing the playoffs to a sprint toward a visible finish line. He emphasized the collective determination to seize the postseason opportunity.
“I think for me, it’s just — there’s a finish line,” he remarked. “There’s finally a finish line, and when you see that, it’s basically full sprint. Full sprint, and let’s go get it.”
Will the Yankees continue with Verdugo?
Despite Alex Verdugo’s struggles in the second half of the season, including a 2-for-34 slump leading into the postseason, the Yankees opted to start him in left field for Game 1 of the American League Division Series, citing his playoff experience with the Boston Red Sox. The team believed this background would enable Verdugo to remain composed in high-pressure moments, a decision that proved beneficial.
Manager Aaron Boone characterized the choice to insert Verdugo into the lineup as relatively straightforward. Positioned ninth in the batting order, he had top prospect Jasson Domínguez and outfielder Trent Grisham as alternatives on the bench. Boone highlighted Verdugo’s defensive capabilities in left field as a significant factor in the decision, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute offensively.
The Yankees valued Verdugo’s experience and defensive prowess more than his disappointing offensive statistics during his first season with the team. Despite posting career-low numbers with a .233 batting average and .647 OPS over 149 games, his overall skill set was prioritized for the playoff opener.
However, Boone clarified that this decision does not guarantee Verdugo a spot in the starting lineup for every postseason game. He indicated a flexible approach, evaluating other roster options and adopting a game-by-game strategy for the playoffs. Both Domínguez and Grisham remain viable candidates for significant roles, with Grisham even being considered for left field despite not playing there during the regular season.
Verdugo acknowledged his lackluster performance throughout the regular season but expressed satisfaction in achieving the main goal of reaching the playoffs. He is determined to excel in the postseason, viewing it as an opportunity for redemption and a chance to make meaningful contributions to the team’s success.
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