The Yankees have reaffirmed something they were already aware of. Ryan McMahon snagged a line drive from Jose Altuve in the sixth inning during his win in Houston on Thursday.
On Friday, Aaron Boone shared that he received an update from MLB regarding a controversial call by third base umpire Brian Walsh, who had incorrectly ruled on a play involving McMahon, despite apparent evidence suggesting otherwise.
Boone expressed that the situation should have been handled more effectively.
As the Yankees prepared for their opener against the Blue Jays on Friday, McMahon indicated his focus was solely on that game, mentioning that the victory helped him move past the earlier controversy. He also noted he didn’t hold Walsh solely responsible for the Yankees’ defeat against the Astros earlier in the week.
“I saw the replays, and from his angle, I can get why he might not have seen it,” McMahon remarked.
In addition to the play involving McMahon, MLB also examined the use of Taylor Trammell’s bat during the game, which was found to be non-compliant with league standards. However, compared to other controversies, like those involving the Astros, this one had no repercussions following the bat’s removal from play.
According to league rules, two-toned bats must have a clear transition at the 18-inch mark from the knob, and this was an issue with Trammell’s bat.
During Trammell’s at-bat in the ninth inning against David Bedner, the Yankees pointed out a “discoloration” on the bat’s label. After a delay for discussions between crew member Adrian Johnson and the New York replay center, the baton was handed to the official certifier, allowing the game to continue without additional issues.
Insiders noted that the bat was properly handled, similar to how players are informed about unacceptable glove designs, meaning they would no longer be allowed to use it.
Boone almost expressed regret over querying the rule surrounding Trammell’s bat.
“I really don’t think Taylor did anything wrong, which made it a bit tough for me,” Boone said about Trammell, who has played five games with the Yankees before spending most of the season in the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre organization. “But it caught my attention. I was satisfied with the arbitration process and felt it was necessary for the team to at least check.”
Anthony Volpe made a return to the lineup to start an important series against the Blue Jays on Friday. After taking a couple of games off last month due to a slump, he had been enjoying a hot streak with 12 hits and five strikeouts before Friday’s game.
Boone mentioned wanting to give more playing time to Caballero at shortstop.
“He’s been solid since we brought him on board,” Boone said. “He’s definitely earned the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Jazz Chisholm Jr. came back into the game with some tightness after leaving Thursday’s match due to discomfort in both knees.
