Florial’s knack for impressing Boone continues in Boston
BOSTON — Estevan Florial still might be a part of the Yankees’ long-term future.
At this point, though, they need him to produce right now, and the 23-year-old delivered a key hit in the stunning, 4-3 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday.
His leadoff double off Nathan Eovaldi in the top of the eighth sparked a four-run rally.
“Every time I’m with [Florial] personally, whether it’s spring training or getting called up, he always seems to be doing something,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It shows why we’re excited about him . ... It’s a tough environment to play in, and he acquitted himself well.”
The long-time prospect called his performance at the plate “so-so” and acknowledged that he isn’t sure if he’s here to stay.
“I’ve been able to come up here and help the team,’’ Florial said. “Right now, it’s not about me.
There’s gonna be a time for the Yankees to make a decision . ... I trust the Yankees.”
The Yankees are slowly getting whole again after their COVID-19 outbreak.
Gio Urshela could be in the lineup on Sunday against the Red Sox depending on how he feels and Aaron Judge and Kyle Higashioka are expected to arrive in Boston on Sunday and to travel with the team to Tampa on Monday.
Judge and Higashioka will go through further testing to make sure they are ready to go, according to Boone, and will then workout at the team’s minor league complex in Tampa on Monday’s off-day.
Asked if Judge could potentially return for Tuesday’s opener against the Rays, Boone pointed more toward later in the series.