Video summary
Aaron Boone addressed the media following the Yankees' 5-3 loss to the Diamondbacks, describing the game as a difficult back-and-forth contest where the team held leads before ultimately falling. Despite the setback, Boone emphasized that this type of competitive struggle is becoming familiar for the squad lately and stressed the importance of moving forward quickly to prepare for the next day's game. He acknowledged the pain of losing a lead but framed the experience as part of the team's recent rhythm, urging everyone to turn the page and focus on their upcoming series against the Rays.
The conversation then shifted to pitcher Clay Holmes' performance, where Boone praised his overall command despite a late-game lapse in pitch selection that allowed two consecutive hits. While noting that Holmes did not handle a bunt well, the manager highlighted that the pitcher successfully navigated high-leverage situations, including a bases-loaded scenario with no outs, by surrendering only one run to secure the sixth inning. Boone credited Holmes for his resilience and ability to keep the team in the game, even when facing tough at-bats from opposing hitters who managed to rally against him.
Regarding bullpen strategy, Boone explained the decision-making process behind keeping Fulmer in the ninth inning rather than bringing in Clark or Spencer Smith earlier. He clarified that while Clark was available and Smith could have been used for a spot start if necessary, the team preferred to utilize Fulmer's experience in shortening the game during the bottom of the ninth. The manager noted that they wanted to save Smith for the heart of the order later in the series, demonstrating a careful approach to managing their pitching resources based on specific matchup needs and inning situations.
Looking ahead, Boone expressed strong confidence in the team's ability to sweep the Rays once they return from their west coast trip, acknowledging that such a victory would make the division race significantly more interesting. He admitted that while the Yankees cannot force a sweep before tomorrow's game, the goal remains to finish the series strongly and capitalize on their momentum. Ultimately, Boone concluded by encouraging the team to treat the loss as a learning opportunity and to approach the next matchup with renewed energy and determination to close out what has been a productive road trip.
Read the full video transcript
Let's hear from Aaron Boon about it in
the manager report brought to you by
Toyota.
>> Aaron, just knowing that the Rays keep
on winning, how much does this one hurt?
>> Yeah, tough one. Um, you know, got a
lead. Um, you know, then they took it
and then we came right back and and got
another lead and then uh, you know,
tough back and forth ball game
obviously. Um,
but you know, that's how we've been
playing a lot lately and we just got to
turn the page and get ready to go
tomorrow.
>> Just one earned run allowed for
Schlitler, but did seem to lose the zone
there late in the in the game. Just what
were you seeing from him overall?
>> Yeah, I thought overall he threw the
ball great. Um, you know, those two
hitters, eight eight balls in a row. Uh,
you know, rallied though to recover,
didn't handle the bunt. Um, so but you
know, finished off and and I think bases
loaded, you know, no out situation, only
give give up one run there and give it
to the tie and and get us through that
six. Um, good job there.
>> It was announced that Clark was up at
one point, but did you consider going
with him? Um, what was just the
>> Yeah, just just tie game there in the
ninth. um you know hasn't been in those
spots like Fulmer going through the
bottom just trying to shorten the game a
little bit there had bus ready for Marte
um but didn't want to go two innings
with with Bed Nar there but wanted him
for the heart of the order so just felt
like you know Fulmer's been in these
spots and throwing the ball really well
for us and um you know Smith got him
there. Did you end up having Spencer
available? Were you trying to stay away
from
>> uh he was available like I would have if
a spot came up to hit or you know we
needed to do something I would have I
would have I would have gone with him.
>> It's not true but does it feel like you
need a sweep from the Rays now?
>> Oh yeah. For the division.
>> Sure. So we sweep and then it gets
interesting but
we can't sweep before tomorrow's game.
So, we got to get ready for tomorrow's
game and hopefully go out and and finish
off what's been a, you know, good trip
out west.