KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Aaron Judge wasn't particularly notable, but his three loud expletives on Wednesday night made people think he was on the verge of an outburst.
In the Yankees' 3-2 win over the Royals in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge went 0-for-4 with one walk, but in the series he dropped to 1-for-11 with three walks.
But the first out was a 114.4 mph line drive that was sucked into the outstretched glove of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and the remaining two fly outs came off the bat at 99.2 mph and 90.2 mph, and the judges came close to clicking. It suggested that
“I didn't get any hits, so I don't feel very good about it,” Judge said. “But we are where we need to be.”
Hitting coach James Rowson said before Game 3 that Judge's only hits so far have been infield hits, continuing his recent trend of a quiet October. ” he said.
But judges have the ability to change that with a single swing.
“He's definitely going to do some damage,” said Giancarlo Stanton, who hit the game-winning home run in the eighth inning. “It's just a matter of time. He's had some good at-bats, so yeah, it's going to come when we need him the most.”
Judge also struck out in the seventh inning with a restraining swing, but first base umpire Mark Carlson said he avoided it.
“His swing is a lot better,” Alex Verdugo said. “He only missed three balls. He's in a good spot.”
Unless the Yankees win or at least advance to the World Series, there will almost certainly be outside questions about Boone's job security since next year's contract has a team option.
Asked about Boone's status Wednesday, general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday that Boone has done a “great job” this season.
“I'm really happy to have him as manager,'' Cashman said before the Yankees' Game 3 victory. “We have the best record in the American League.” [and] Won the AL East Division title. From now on, we will aim to win the postseason and rise to the top. ”
Speculation about Boone's departure has become an annual occurrence, especially as the Yankees continue to fail to advance to the World Series.
But there's no indication that Cashman or Hal Steinbrenner are considering a change, and the increased unpredictability of the playoffs could even support that theory.
With Hurricane Milton expected to hit Tampa within the next few days, the Yankees have closed their player development facility.
They canceled their instructional league and moved minor leaguers and other players from Tampa to New York in case they were needed in the postseason.
Yankees players also have homes in the area.
“These are uncertain times,” Boone said. “You hope for the best and hope for safety.”
Cabrera started at first base for the first time in three games after Jon Barty played in Game 2 due to the Yankees' absence of Anthony Rizzo.
Asked Wednesday about his decision with Cabrera, Boone said, “I don't know. I have a lot of confidence in Oswald, especially. [since] He had a great second half of the season with us. ”
Cabrera and Berti, who went 0-for-1 with three walks, played well defensively.
“He has a lot of confidence wherever he goes on the field,” Boone added of Cabrera. I thought he handled it really well in Game 1. ”
As for Rizzo, who has been sidelined due to two broken fingers, Cashman said there have been no discussions yet about whether Rizzo will be available if the Yankees advance to the ALCS.
