ATLANTA – As the season progresses, one of the Yankees’ main focuses has been improving their base running skills.
They’ve aimed to enhance this aspect in comparison to last year, as shown by the base running metrics available, which indicate they haven’t completely fallen apart yet.
However, too frequently—particularly during their recent 12-19 slump—they’ve been hindered by avoidable mistakes on the bases. A recent game on Friday serves as a prime example.
Jorbit Vivas made a critical error, hesitating on his way to third base and attempting to tag up on a fly ball. Instead of bringing potential runs to the plate, this mistake resulted in a double play to end the inning when the Yankees were in a scoring position.
Manager Aaron Boone commented after the game that it was simply a play that should not have happened, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggle to maintain clarity on the field over the past six weeks.
“I think we have some solid base runners, but then there are others who struggle,” Boone remarked. “It’s important to put in the effort.”
He noted that the Yankees’ high-scoring offense, averaging 5.27 runs per game, which ranks third in the majors, might contribute to a more cautious approach on the bases.
However, Boone acknowledged that last year base running was a “big issue” because the team often played too conservatively and missed opportunities to take extra bases.
“Much of that reflects on last year’s team,” he said, “We’re a more athletic group now, capable of taking those extra bases. Yet when you hit a losing streak, mistakes tend to crop up.”
Boone expressed that players often lose their instincts during tough stretches, leading to a reluctance to take chances on the base paths. He reflected on Friday’s game as an instance where they appeared hesitant.
As of Saturday, the Yankees were sitting at 24th in the majors with a BSR of minus 4.3, a measurement evaluating various aspects of base running. Last year, they ended at the bottom with a minus-17.1. This year, they rank somewhat better with another metric, positioned at 17th place with a minus one, compared to last year’s lowest mark of minus-16.
Despite exhibiting strong offensive capabilities, the Yankees recorded 21 outs on the bases, ranking fourth-worst in the majors. These stats don’t account for pick-offs or stolen base attempts, which could further complicate the picture.
Boone mentioned he rarely opts to bench players for base running mistakes and didn’t consider it for Vivas after Friday’s game.
“It’s not about punishing someone for taking risks,” Boone stated. “It’s simply about addressing the mistake made, and it’s essential for players to learn and develop from these moments.” He expressed that it would be a discussion rather than a punitive action for Vivas, who typically puts in great effort.
“But you can’t continuously pull a player for various reasons,” Boone concluded.
