Upon review, Gardner had some doubts
Brett Gardner did not immediately think the biggest call of Saturday’s game would go in the Yankees’ favor. But Aaron Boone believed he saw in real time Gary Sanchez collect Gardner’s throw from left field and make the tag on Oakland’s Matt Olson on what initially was ruled the go-ahead run in the ninth inning.
Home-plate ump James Hoye’s call eventually was overturned by video review — from a basesloaded sacrifice fly off the bat of Jonathan Lucroy into an inningending double play to get Aroldis Chapman out of the inning — and the Yanks went on to win, 7-6, in the 11th inning on Neil Walker’s tie-breaking single.
“I think I was one of the few. I’m usually wrong, but I actually thought I saw it, like, ‘I think he hit his back,’” Boone said of Sanchez’ sweeping tag. “It was nice when (bench coach Josh) Bard turned to me and we were challenging. Usually when that’s the case, Webby is usually right on.”
Webby would be video replay monitor Brett Weber, but even Gardner doubted the Yanks would win that appeal on what he described as a “bang-bang” play.
“I thought he was safe (at first),” Gardner admitted. “I knew I made a pretty good throw, but I just thought it was a little late from my angle. Obviously, once it went to replay, I was excited about that. It wasn’t even close once you saw the replay. The camera as they slow it down, that doesn’t lie.”
HOT AND COLE
Reliever A.J. Cole hadn’t pitched since April 28 in Anaheim, but after walking the first two batters he faced in the 10th, he completed two scoreless innings, striking out four to earn his first pinstriped win.
“That’s a tough spot we put him in…To go out and walk the first two batters, it’s almost understandable,” Boone said. “To be able to not flinch, stay poised and make pitches through a tough part of their lineup…great effort by him. Really proud of him, especially considering he just hasn’t had the work to have a chance to even be sharp.”
SHEF OF FUTURE
Justus Sheffield, the Yanks’ top pitching prospect, has been placed on the seven-day minorleague disabled list. The 21-year-old lefty was removed from his start at Triple-A Scranton on Friday night after 3.2 innings with shoulder stiffness.
Before the move was announced, Boone had said he’d been given no update on “what the level of concern is down there or the severity” of the injury. But RailRiders manager Bobby Mitchell told reporters that he was hopeful Sheffield only would miss one start.
“Hopefully it’s something that’s minor and precautionary,” Boone said.
VISION QUEST
Brandon Drury (migraines, blurred vision) donned yellowtinted glasses during Friday’s doubleheader for Scranton to aid his night vision and belted a grand slam in the second game.
“It’s something that he requested, the yellow frames that brighten things up in the evening,” Boone said. “I think the things he’s doing treatmentwise are more of the things that hopefully are more of a longterm solution. But hopefully it’s something that he can get comfortable with and maybe something that can help him along.”
WHAT A RELIEF
Rehabbing relievers Tommy Kahnle (shoulder) and Adam Warren (back) will report to Tampa on Sunday, Boone said. Kahnle appears closer to returning and might rejoin the Yanks before the end of the upcoming eight-game road trip. Warren will throw his first bullpen session since going on the DL on Monday in Tampa.