FIGHT CLUB
Yanks rally for huge win after CC scuf fle
Had Travis d’Arnaud’s fly ball to right field died on the warning track Monday night instead of crawling into the seats for what turned out to be a game-winning, three-run homer, Aroldis Chapman getting beat on a slider wouldn’t have been the hot topic it was Tuesday.
Before Tuesday night’s 8-3 win over the Rays, manager Aaron Boone was asked about the pitch selection.
“I think people underestimate what a good pitch and what a weapon the slider has become for [Chapman]. … It’s a weapon. It’s not only a pitch that he’s really good at throwing for a strike typically, but it’s also a put-away pitch for him,’’ Boone said of his All-Star closer, who has converted 25-of-29 save chances. “So, he pitches with both of those effectively. Some nights it’s more lean on the fastball, other nights it’s slider, other nights it’s a combination.’’
According to Boone, Chapman’s 3-2 pitch to d’Arnaud was up and out and led to the former Met’s third homer and fifth RBI of the Rays’ 5-4 victory.
DJ LeMahieu’s sixth-inning homer Tuesday night was his 13th, and all have been hit in the leadoff spot. The 13 homers are two short of his career high set in 2018. ... Tuesday’s victory was the Yankees’ 28th comeback win of the season. Since April 13, they are 19-7 following a loss.
Outfielder Cameron Maybin ran, did agility drills and fielded ground balls in right field Tuesday. Maybin, who is on the IL due to a strained left calf, has been taking batting practice in the indoor cage and will graduate to hitting on the field Wednesday.
According to Boone, the reports on Deivi Garcia’s initial start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday night went well and the manager liked what he saw on film.
“He had a good presence. I watched a little over an inning and watched his stuff. It wasn’t as dominant as we have seen some of his outings, but a very good first showing in Triple-A,’’ Boone said of the 20-year-old right-hander several organizations believe is the Yankees’ top overall prospect.