Yankees upset with Astros choosing a late start for departure game

Yankees Manager Discusses Stanton’s Strategy

HOUSTON – Aaron Boone recently shared insights about Giancarlo Stanton’s upcoming plans.

“We’ll catch up tonight after the game [Wednesday]. Then I’ll touch base with him again [Thursday],” Boone remarked following the Yankees’ narrow 8-7 loss to the Astros at Daikin Park.

“We’re heading home again — for the Toronto series this time. I’ll stay in close contact with him. Our aim is to make the best decisions for everyone involved,” Boone added.

The Yankees are set to begin a critical three-game series against the Blue Jays in the Bronx starting Friday evening. Unfortunately, they faced a tight schedule with the Astros, who are slated to start their game at 6:40 PM local time on Thursday.

The Astros are packing up to head to Arlington, Texas for the weekend, while the Yankees will be landing back in New York early Friday morning.

This isn’t the first time this season the Yankees have faced challenges with scheduling, particularly before significant series. Back in June, after a Thursday night game in Kansas City, they arrived in Boston early Friday morning. Boone acknowledged that, well, nobody is likely to be sympathetic for them.

“It’s just part of the grind. We’re pressing on through,” he said. “Sometimes we discuss these things with MLB, but it’s just how it goes—162 games in 180 days, and there are tough stretches. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter, no one cares. We’re in the home stretch now, and we really need to keep winning,” Boone noted.

Austin Wells made his ninth start as a catcher in 12 games on Wednesday. After going 3-for-4, he was batting with an OPS of .449 in 23 games, including three home runs and two doubles in the last five games, even though his overall average was a bit low, hitting just .127 (9-71).

“Encouragement is key,” Boone said. “We’ve certainly dealt with some ups and downs lately, but he seems to be finding his rhythm and improving.”

In the sixth inning on Tuesday, Paul Goldschmidt made a diving stop but ended up feeling discomfort in his knee after the play.

“He’s okay,” Boone said. “He felt a little something [Tuesday], which is typical with knee injuries. But he’s fine.” Goldschmidt had missed two games last month due to a right knee sprain.

Austin Slater, recovering from a hamstring strain, played right field on Wednesday during his fourth rehab game in Triple A and is expected to rejoin the active roster by the end of the weekend.