New York Yankees fans called for manager Aaron Boone to replace Alex Verdugo with rookie Jasson DomÃnguez in left field for Game 1 of the American League Division Series. However, after Verdugo’s performance in Game 2, that conversation may have shifted.
In his Yankees playoff debut, Verdugo played a crucial role in the team’s 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. He went 2-for-3 with a walk, driving in the game-winning run with a single in the seventh inning.
“Every at-bat, every pitch in the playoffs matters, and this is the kind of baseball that I love,” Verdugo shared with reporters, according to YES Network.
Verdugo’s only previous postseason experience was with the Red Sox in 2021, where he contributed significantly to their run to the AL Championship Series, hitting .310 with one home run and six RBIs. However, his struggles in the second half of this season raised doubts about his postseason potential. After being traded to the Yankees from Boston for a trio of pitchers, he batted just .228 with three home runs and 16 RBIs following the All-Star break.
Many fans had hoped for DomÃnguez to take Verdugo’s spot, but Boone decided to trust Verdugo in the postseason, a choice that paid off.
“I’m sure he hears some of it. That’s not always fun, especially when you’re a good player in this league,” Boone noted. “He was professional and ready to do his job, and he did some really good things when his number was called.”
As the playoffs continue, Verdugo’s performance may quiet the critics and solidify his place in the lineup.