Around the Yankees: News Update – 9/20/24
Soto’s Injury Scare; Boone Under Pressure?; Bullpen Improvements (with One Notable Exception); The Final Stretch; King’s Charity Initiative
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: During the seventh inning of yesterday’s loss to the Mariners, Yankees fans held their breath when Juan Soto crashed his left knee into the wall after a spectacular defensive play that retired Jorge Polanco, keeping the deficit to just one run.
Soto stayed down for a few moments as Aaron Judge, manager Aaron Boone, and trainer Tim Lentych rushed to his side. Thankfully, Soto remained in the game, though he mentioned he’s unsure if he’ll start tonight’s game against Oakland. Soto and Boone are optimistic it’s nothing serious, but X-rays will be done to confirm.
In a lesser note, reliever Jake Cousins exited the game after just six pitches due to “right pec tightness,” an issue he’s been managing for a while. No tests are scheduled as of now.
NJ.com | Jimmy Hascup: With the Yankees securing a postseason spot, the focus now shifts to closing out the division title, as they currently hold a four-game lead over the Orioles. Despite their “World Series or bust” attitude, pressure is mounting on Aaron Boone.
Since taking over after the Yankees’ loss in Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS, Boone has yet to reach that level again. His contract includes a team option for 2025, and this October’s performance could determine whether he stays in the role.
New York Post | Jon Heyman**: The Yankees bullpen, which has been a source of concern for much of the season, is beginning to stabilize, just in time for their postseason push. Key relievers like Tommy Kahnle, Luke Weaver, Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton, and Tim Hill have each posted scoreless streaks of at least four games.
However, former closer Clay Holmes remains a glaring issue, having blown two saves since losing his closer spot.
FanGraphs | Michael Baumann: In a week filled with odd baseball moments — Gerrit Cole’s intentional walk, Victor Robles’ ill-fated attempt to steal home, and a wild double play on Wednesday — Baumann takes a deep dive into the Robles decision.
The speedy Robles misjudged how long Luis Gil would take to regroup in a three-ball count, costing him a prime scoring opportunity. With the situation as it was, staying at third might have been wiser, but it certainly made for an entertaining highlight.
MLB.com | AJ Cassavell: Former Yankee Michael King and his wife Sheila have been devoting time to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, inspired by Sheila’s 2018 diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes.
Together, they recently launched the King of the Hill Foundation to raise awareness and funds for children living with the condition.
King mentioned that he was motivated by the philanthropic efforts of his former teammates, CC Sabathia and Aaron Judge, in launching this endeavor.
