In Game 1 of the ALDS, Giancarlo Stanton’s slowness on the bases proved detrimental to the New York Yankees, potentially costing them two runs. Statcast data In the regular season he was ranked as the 284th fastest player out of 288 who performed at least 100 competitive sprints.
In the fourth inning, with two outs and Stanton on first, Oswaldo Cabrera hit a double to right center field. Despite a poor play by Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel, the Yankees batter was unable to score and was held at third base, leaving the Yankees without a chance to score.
Later, in the sixth inning, with the score tied at 5-5, Stanton grounded out third baseman Maikel García. Although Garcia had to make a diving stop, he had plenty of time to position himself and throw the Yankees star to first base. Stanton’s sprint speed on that play was measured at just 25.5 feet per second, which would have been his ninth-fastest speed during the regular season.
Yankees
When asked about executing baserunning strategies with a player who appears to run at “half speed,” Yankees coach Aaron Boone defended Stanton’s pace. He explained that Stanton’s running style is a controlled gait, adopted to minimize the risk of injury. Boone noted that Stanton has suffered setbacks from sudden changes in speed, and that this measured approach is something the team must accept.
Boone highlighted Stanton’s history of hamstring injuries, including one suffered this summer while running the bases and another from last season, when he tried harder than usual on a double. The Yankees coach stressed that this speed has become Stanton’s norm at this point in his career.
“It’s more than half,” the Yankees coach admitted. “It is a controlled march in which he knows he has to enter. It burns out when you try to accelerate up or down. That’s when you know you’ve been seen (committed). It’s something you have to live with. If you’ve seen it over the years with a particular player who is incredibly slow but still impactful, it’s something we have to accept. He has to do what he has to do. He tries to reach his maximum speed as smoothly as he can.”
The Yankees captain acknowledged that Stanton is trying to reach his top speed as smoothly as possible, given the limitations they face. In Game 1, Stanton went 0-for-4 with a walk. Boone’s statements suggest that if Stanton doesn’t produce home runs and slugging, his limited baserunning ability could become a liability for the team.
Boone confirms Verdugo for Yankees’ 2nd ALDS game
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Manager Boone announced that Alex Verdugo would remain in left field for the Yankees for the next game, following his impressive performance in Game 1 of the ALDS. This decision comes amid previous speculation that the left field spot could be shared between Verdugo and rookie Jasson Dominguez throughout the playoffs.
Verdugo’s efforts in Game 1 confirmed the Yankees’ confidence in him. He went 2-for-3 at the plate, walked once and delivered the decisive RBI in the seventh inning. Additionally, he demonstrated his defensive skills with two standout plays that earned him praise from his teammates on the bench.
Joey
Boone revealed that he had informed Verdugo of his ownership several days in advance, although this information had not been revealed to the media. Verdugo faced criticism from fans during player introductions, primarily due to a disappointing regular season in which he posted a career-low 83 OPS+.
Holmes prepares the ground for Weaver to ensure the victory of the Yankees
In Game 1 of the ALDS, the Yankees won in large part thanks to a stellar performance from their bullpen. Former closer Clay Holmes showed his playoff prowess by getting five crucial outs in the middle innings. Luke Weaver, Holmes’ successor as closer, sealed the victory with a four-out save in his postseason debut.
Holmes, who has yet to give up a run in his postseason run, spanning 9 ²/₃ inningsexpressed his admiration for Weaver’s performance. He acknowledged the challenges of pitching multiple innings in high-pressure situations, and noted the significant boost Weaver’s contributions have provided the team.
“It’s not easy, those last three outs,” he said Saturday. “Go into [to the dugout]cooling down and getting back out is hard. What he is doing has been a great boost for the team.”
The bullpen’s importance was highlighted when starter Gerrit Cole struggled for five-plus innings. Holmes entered the game in a precarious situation, with runners on second and third with one out. Despite allowing an infield single, he avoided the danger, keeping the Yankees within striking distance.
After the Yankees tied the game, Holmes continued his strong performance, retiring dangerous hitters, including Vinnie Pasquantino. His efforts set the stage for the Yankees to take the lead thanks to Alex Verdugo’s timely hit.
Weaver then took over, effectively retiring four batters, including the core of Kansas City’s lineup, to secure the victory.
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