Yankees’ Difficult Night Against the Tigers
Aaron Boone really didn’t want to call on Luke Weaver to pitch in a game that went so poorly for the Yankees.
But when Austin Wells hit a home run in the eighth, he had no choice. That solo shot cut the Yankee’s deficit down to seven runs, which meant Boone couldn’t use a position player to pitch as he’d initially planned.
So, Weaver was summoned. Unfortunately, he only added to the team’s troubles, giving up three runs in just one inning.
“I didn’t want to bring Weaver into that situation,” Boone said. “But it was necessary given the circumstances. I went with Slater at first, but then Wells hit that homer, and it became a seven-run game. With Cruz likely unavailable on Thursday, Weaver was the one who had rested the longest.”
MLB rules allow position players to pitch only in extra innings, or when the team is trailing by at least eight runs. Or if the game reaches ten innings, of course.
Slater, however, didn’t let the game get completely out of hand in his second major league pitching appearance.
Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo announced his retirement on Wednesday, closing the chapter on his career after the Yankees signed him this season, turning down options in the previous offseason.
The 36-year-old first baseman was at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, chatting with Boone before the game, and he’ll officially retire as a Cub on Saturday.
“He’s had a fantastic career,” Boone stated. “All-Stars, Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and World Championships. He was a significant part of our team these last few years.”
Rizzo’s personality and presence were larger than life, and Boone noted how well he played the game, especially while enduring numerous injuries. “He’s been through a lot, like two broken fingers, and still played his heart out,” Boone added.
Rizzo spent three and a half seasons with the Yankees, but his time was often hampered due to a serious collision in May 2023.
In other news, the Yankees are urging fans to arrive early for Thursday’s game. With heightened security due to President Trump attending on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the gates will open for ticket holders at 4 PM.
Finally, Paul Goldschmidt, who turned 38 on Wednesday, has now been benched for four consecutive games—the longest stretch of his career without playing.
