Four mistakes lead to Yankees’ defeat against Red Sox

BOSTON — Yankees Stay Strong in AL East Despite Judge’s Absence

The Yankees continue to lead the AL East, even without Aaron Judge, and one key factor might just be their ability to play mistake-free baseball.

With fewer opportunities for error, defensive lapses can have a larger impact. Unfortunately, that was evident when the team racked up a season-high four errors in a 6-3 defeat against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

These four errors represented the most in a single game since last August when they also faced Boston and struggled at Yankee Stadium. However, it wasn’t just about what was recorded—there were more unaccounted mistakes beyond the stats.

Coach Aaron Boone expressed disappointment, stating, “We didn’t take care of the ball like we should have. Overall, we just weren’t as effective in making plays.” Ultimately, it proved detrimental.

One of the players involved in the mishaps was Jose Caballero. He was brought on for his versatility in defense, a quality that the Yankees valued when he was traded from Tampa Bay last season. However, with Judge and Trent Grisham sidelined, they likely didn’t anticipate him starting five out of eight games in left field.

Caballero managed to make a remarkable running catch off a fly from Wylier Abreu deep into left field, showcasing his capabilities. Yet, just a couple of innings earlier, he misplayed a shallow fly from Jalen Duran that allowed Sedan Rafaela to score, giving Boston an edge.

The fact that the Red Sox sent Rafaela home illustrated their confidence—or perhaps underestimation—of Caballero’s skills in left.

“I’m just trying to contribute to the team as best as I can,” Caballero noted, emphasizing the challenges he faces, especially considering his limited experience in the outfield. “There are definitely gaps in our outfield right now.”

When asked if Rafaela’s attempt surprised him, Caballero replied that he actually expected it. “Teams are definitely testing me,” he said, reflecting on the challenges he faces as a rookie outfielder. “I knew he was going for it.”

Discussing a home throw that went slightly off-line, Caballero remarked, “It was a solid throw but just a bit misaligned. Mistakes happen.”

Before the game, Boone considered Jason Dominguez as a candidate for left field, but ultimately went with Caballero in front of the Green Monster, opting for Amed Rosario at third. However, Rosario also had his troubles, committing a two-base error when a powerful ground ball from Wilson Contreras slipped through his legs, contributing to one of four earned runs against Cam Schlitler.

The Yankees clearly face a tough situation with both Judge and Grisham on the injured list.

And the issues weren’t confined only to the outfield. Wells also faced scrutiny for a first-inning error due to interference that cost them an out on Abreu’s ground ball.

Schlitzer misjudged a pickoff attempt at second that ended up in center field, and he even allowed Caleb Durbin’s pop-up to become an infield hit right in front of him during the second inning.