BOSTON — Yankees Focus on Amed Rosario’s Power Against Lefties

The Yankees have been leaning on Amed Rosario as a key hitter, particularly against left-handed pitchers, and he’s been showcasing his growing power lately.

Since the trade deadline last year, Ryan McMahon has been mainly counted on for his solid defensive skills in the infield.

This past Wednesday, Coach Aaron Boone highlighted what both players bring to the game, particularly during their 4-1 win against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Rosario’s bat provided the early lead, while McMahon played a crucial role defensively, helping to secure their advantage.

Facing lefty Ranger Suarez, Rosario quickly made his impact felt. With two outs and runners in scoring position in the first inning, he hit a three-run homer over the Green Monster—sufficient to seal the Yankees’ scoring for the game.

In just 55 at-bats across 17 games, Rosario has already hit four home runs. Remarkably, he notched a total of nine in the last two seasons combined.

This surge in power likely stems from a three-year experience at Driveline, a facility focused on improving metrics like bat speed.

Rosario expressed a sense of confidence, sharing through interpreter Marlon Abreu that increasing bat speed and adjusting launch angles can significantly boost power. “The results are improving,” he noted.

He also contributed to the win with a sacrifice fly in the third inning, bringing Aaron Judge home from third—every run scored in the game coming from his efforts.

As the game went on, however, he was tagged out in the sixth inning while trying to extend a play against right-hander Zach Kelly.

No pitcher has induced more ground balls to third base than Max Fried. He kept McMahon busy during the final three innings, which featured notable defensive plays.

McMahon’s impact was immediate, as he backhanded a grounder down the third base line, throwing it to complete an out. He followed this with a play against Paul Goldschmidt, showcasing his reflexes.

“I’ve watched him make so many plays,” Fried remarked, reflecting on their history as rivals in the National League.

In the next inning, McMahon made a spectacular diving play to stop a hard hit by Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, further solidifying his defensive prowess.

Following the game, Boone praised McMahon’s strong performance at third base, highlighting the value both players brought to the victory.