May 15, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) throws his bubble gum along the first base line after being ejected against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays
(New York, NY) — Aaron Boone is speaking on the New York Yankees slow start.
After falling to a ferocious comeback by the Chicago Cubs to close out the first half of the season, manager Aaron Boone reflected on the team’s 49 and 42 start.
“Even though it’s been a grind and a struggle at times, we also know we’re very good,” Boone explained to reporters after Sunday’s loss. “We have a chance to have a special team and that’s what we’re focused on.”
New York heads into the All-Star break sitting at fourth place in the AL East, eight games out of first. Last year saw the Yanks in first, and the fingers have been pointed towards injury as the reason for decline.
“We’ve obviously been banged up,” said Boone.
One of those players being Aaron Judge. The Yanks have gone 14-17 since the captain has been out of the lineup, and rank dead last in the majors in batting (.218) and on-base percentage (.288) in his absence.
Despite a mediocre start and the recent firing of hitting coach Dillion Lawson, Boone remains optimistic.
“What I love is we’re walking into the second half with everything in front of us,” concluded Boone.
The Bombers return to the diamond on July 14th, when the Yankees visit the Colorado Rockies.
