Aaron Boone Addresses Alex Verdugo’s Lack of Hustle in Yankees’ Loss…
The New York Yankees showed confidence in outfielder Alex Verdugo when they called him up in September, but their decision didn’t pay off during Wednesday’s 10-6 loss to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Verdugo faced criticism after failing to run out a ground ball to second base in the fifth inning, opting to jog instead. Given that the Yankees chose Verdugo over their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, who remains in Triple-A, it was a disappointing moment for the 28-year-old, especially since his performance has been lackluster lately. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended Verdugo, showing support despite the lack of hustle.
“He’s fine. He’s banged up, but he’s giving it his all,” Boone told Greg Joyce of the New York Post. “He knows when to push, like beating out force plays, double plays, or getting infield hits.
There are times I wish it looked better, but when he hits a routine grounder to second, I understand. I don’t have an issue with his effort.”
The Yankees are in a tough spot, underperforming in a competitive American League East while hoping for a strong postseason run. Verdugo, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in an unusual offseason trade, was expected to be a key contributor alongside stars Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
However, he hasn’t lived up to those expectations. Blaming his struggles on his batting gloves, Verdugo has only managed a .204/.269/.280 slash line in August, making him an easy target for criticism in this crucial September stretch.
This season, Verdugo has posted a .235 average with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs across 134 games in his Yankees debut. This level of production from a veteran won’t be enough when the stakes are high at Yankee Stadium in October. Meanwhile, Domínguez remains ready and healthy, waiting for his chance.
The Yankees have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games, losing their lead in the AL East to the Baltimore Orioles in the battle for the division title.
