Boone up in arms over call
THE play ended up not affecting the final outcome, but the Yanks were on the wrong end of what most watching believed to be a terrible decision to not overturn an out call at first base in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday’s 5-1 victory over the Blue Jays. Or was it? Toronto first baseman Justin Smoak’s foot appeared to be several inches off the base on a throw from shortstop Lourdes Gurriel as Yanks batter Tyler Austin crossed the bag, but umpire Ted Barrett’s ruling was upheld following a lengthy video review.
Aaron Boone incredulously held his arms out after losing the challenge, but the first-year manager said afterward that the Yanks’ video replay guru Brett Weber thought the replay was inconclusive on at least one of the angles.
“A little bit (upset), but then we actually got word from under that Webby didn’t feel great about it. I guess there was a shot maybe a split second earlier where it was kind of borderline where you’re gonna overturn it,” Boone said. “I just hope that call’s being made not with the idea that I’ve got replay behind me, but we’re grinding through and making the best call that we can.”
WADE DOWN CATCH IT IF YOU CAN HOW GOES FRAZIER? ON THE MARK
Mark Teixeira didn’t mind Gleyber Torres donning his old number, 25, for his major-league debut. Teixeira wore the number during his eight seasons in the Bronx from 2009-16.
“I think it’s awesome that @TorresGleyber is wearing #25 for the @Yankees,” the former first baseman tweeted Sunday. “I hope he becomes a star and millions buy his jerseys. Then when I see them in the stadium and on the streets I can tell people, ‘Look, another Tex jersey.’”
Utility infielder Tyler Wade was farmed out to Triple-A Scranton to make room for Torres after batting just .086 (3-for-35) through 13 appearances.
“Obviously, he’s disappointed and a little frustrated he couldn’t get it going offensively here,” Boone said. “The opportunities weren’t really there for him in the past week.
“But it doesn’t change how we look at him long-term for us and the value we think he brings, especially in his versatility with the range he brings in the field defensively and his speed, obviously. But we feel he needs to go down and gain some traction offensively and make some adjustments and hopefully get to the point where he's the offensive player we need him to be.”
Righty reliever David Hale also was recalled as an additional bullpen arm, with outfielder Jace Peterson designated for assignment.
Gary Sanchez was not behind the plate for the second straight day after committing his fourth passed ball in three games on Friday night. Sanchez went 1-for-3 with a walk as the DH, with Austin Romine catching Luis Severino and stroking a two-run double.
Boone said outfielder Clint Frazier, sidelined since late February with a concussion, could be cleared to resume playing in minor-league games in Tampa on Monday or Tuesday.