Are the New York Yankees finally making a comeback? With consecutive solid performances over the weekend, the team finally won a series against the AL-West-leading Texas Rangers. However, there is still concern over offensive power. Missing their captain has put an unexpected strain on the team, which has been unable to pull out of a funk. One player that fans have their eyes on is Josh Donaldson.
The third baseman has had an underwhelming few seasons, failing to perform consistently. Injuries kept him out of the early 2023 season, leaving fans happy. The latest match-up was his third game being benched because Donaldson has not been putting up the required numbers. Fans and the front office know this; however, the latter seems determined to keep him in action, perhaps owing to his massive contract. But amid rising heat from fans, the Yankees player recently retreated to the manager’s office with a strange move.
Josh Donaldson avoids the press in favor of talking to Aaron Boone
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In a talk with MLB’s Bryan Hoch, Aaron Boone admitted realizing the problem Donaldson poses. “I know the batting average since he’s come back has not been great, but scratch the surface to the underlying [numbers], and he’s hitting the ball hard,” the manager said. However, the two try to resolve issues as best as possible because Donaldson wants to play and Boone wants him on the roster.
During clubhouse availability, Josh Donaldson told reporters he didn’t have time to talk, then walked toward the area of Aaron Boone’s office.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) June 25, 2023
Hoch reported that ahead of yesterday’s game, Donaldson avoided speaking to the press instead of having a discussion with Boone. He claimed he was busy and headed to Boone’s office; the conversation continued for a surprisingly long time as the manager was more than 30 minutes late for his pregame news conference.
Josh Donaldson says that the conversation between him and Aaron Boone was just ” a lot of ball talk” and it’s normal for them to have conversations like that because they talk often pic.twitter.com/k6w0ryW1yO
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 25, 2023
Later on, Donaldson admitted to Hoch that he wants to play but ultimately, he’s a Yankee. He will do whatever it takes to help the team win. Donaldson later also played down the importance of the long conversation.
He said that it was all just “a lot of ball talk”. Hoch reported that the player and the boss are now “on the same page,” and Donaldson should be expected to have more playing time. But of course, fans don’t agree with this conclusion.
New York Yankees fans want Donaldson out of the lineup
In short, Bronx fans want the third baseman DFA’d. Many believe there are other talented players that could use the spot on the 40-man roster and benefit the team.
He’s getting DFA’d for sure
— Luke Garrison (SonicHockeyCoolFanAccount) (@SHCBackupAcc) June 25, 2023
One fan wondered if Donaldson was indeed removed from the Yankees altogether, would he step up his game like Aaron Hicks? Widely considered to be another flop, Hicks’ game improved remarkably after he joined the Baltimore Orioles.
If he is traded or DFA, I wonder if he’ll go on a hot streak like Aaron Hicks after he was traded to the Orioles.
— Misha Fitton (@MishaFitton) June 25, 2023
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Calling it now just like Hicks. He’s going to end up in the AL East and go on a tear.
— Vinny (@VinnyC89) June 25, 2023
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A majority of fans believe that he will be DFA’d, despite Boone’s earlier comments. What do you think is happening behind the scenes? Could Donaldson stay? Let’s us know in the comments below.
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