The New York Yankees have found themselves in a position few could have imagined at the start of the season. After losing in the World Series just last year, they're now struggling to hold onto a postseason spot. The Cleveland Guardians are rapidly closing in on them in the AL Wild Card standings.
On Wednesday, the Yankees lost to the Minnesota Twins — their first loss to that team in two years. The fall from powerhouse to slumping contender has been steep. In fact, both World Series teams from last season are now in serious skids. The Yankees' loss came at the hands of Twins ace Joe Ryan.
“Before the game, there was a one-hour, 52-minute rain delay. Twins ace Joe Ryan was able to get his pregame work done and take a nap before the game started at 8:57 p.m. ET. Taking the snooze seemed to work. Leave it to Ryan to help the Twins have a happy flight back to Minnesota to play a four-game series against the Tigers. He pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters,” MLB.com’s Bill Ladsen wrote.
After the loss, ESPN radio host Michael Kay didn’t hold back on manager Aaron Boone’s bullpen decision-making.
“I don't know why they went to De Los Santos. Aaron explained it after the game, 'Well we felt it was a proper lane for him'–Stop! Who's your best pitcher? Who's the better pitcher that you can bring in? Every single pitcher in the bullpen was available last night? Who's your best? Who's your best to pitch the sixth inning?" ranted Kay on his ESPN radio show. “People have to wake up. The season is slipping away. It's slipping away. You're tied in the loss column with the Cleveland Guardians. You're tied. And the Texas Rangers... they're breathing down you're neck.”
Kay didn’t hold back on Boone or the Yankees’ recent struggles, especially with what he saw as poor decision-making in a critical moment. With the postseason picture tightening, the Yankees must take control — or risk seeing their season unravel. In Kay’s view, Boone’s judgment must improve, and fast.
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