Taking one for the team, or in fact, getting ejected for them – does that count as being a good manager? Apparently not for the New York Yankees faithful! While every decision goes under the microscope, the Bronx fans become even more critical when the team is going through a rough patch. Managerial decisions — even soundly strategic ones — can come under fire if they don’t lead to instant victories. And that explains why recent fan frustration has boiled over online.
Well, running the pinstripes means managing expectations just as much as managing players.
Before a scheduled Wednesday matinee on April 23, the heat got turned up. The Yanks were at Progressive Field trying to salvage a game against Cleveland. Well, while they did end up with a 5-1 win, at that point, they were already on a two-game losing streak against the Guardians, losing 6-4 and then 3-2. With records so close (Yankees 14-10 and Guardians 14-9 before the Yankees win), Wednesday’s game seemed like a rescue mission.
Dropping three straight to the same club wasn’t an option for the defending American League champs.
But when the Yankees’ official X handle posted their “Wednesday Matinee” just hours before the first pitch, fans got mad! Of course, fans were concerned because such a roster strategy cost them the previous two games.
Wednesday Matinee. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/wbqCX2hkov
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 23, 2025
But Aaron Boone’s card probably had some logic. The Yankees Manager might have wanted to take advantage of the Guardians’ struggling righty Luis Ortiz, and his 5.48 ERA. The order heavily alternated lefties and righties through the first top seven spots, a classic strategy.
But some fans immediately questioned a number of unorthodox choices, even though it may have been strategic. It just looked weird for them to see rookie Ben Rice in the leadoff/first spot and having veteran Paul Goldschmidt as DH. Leaving Bellinger at third, even with concerns over an injury and a slow start, was another head-scratcher. There were also questions about Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s spot after recent disciplinary issues and Anthony Volpe’s placement, overheating fan rage before the first out.
Lineup logic lost: Yankee faithful question Boone’s decisions
Many fans were focused on the odd crowding of hitters on the lineup card. Seeing some names grouped together simply did not make sense to the Bleacher Creatures watching closely.
One particularly blunt response perfectly captured this frustration, posing the question: “Why the f— does bonehead Boone keep batting Bellinger, Jazz and Volpe all within 4 of eachother. Horrible.” This fan hits the issue that is troubling so many; Bellinger’s .173 average and Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s .159 mark aren’t exactly setting the world on fire. Placing them near Anthony Volpe felt like concentrating offensive struggles rather than spreading out threats. It did not make sense, it seemed, to stack hitters who are struggling now, in important spots.
Building on that, others pointed fingers directly at the individual positions assigned to struggling stars. A comment reflecting this widespread sentiment pleaded: “Peraza deserves to play. Belli should be 5, Jazz 6/7, Volpe 8/9. Terrible lineup construction year after year.” Fans are furious that Oswald Peraza remains benched while Bellinger (3rd), Chisholm (5th), and Volpe (6th) occupy prime spots. Peraza, a versatile infielder, hit .302 with 10 HR in AAA in 2024, showing offensive upside, hasn’t yet played in 2025. Later, of course, Bellinger’s center field catch helped the Yanks seal the deal against Cleveland – probably a token of satisfaction for fans!
Aaron Boone was critically scrutinized over the lineup choice: “Why does Boone wait until we lost the series to put the best possible lineup?” And you can’t argue with the fan! They are upset that Boone only optimizes the lineup after losing a series, as seen in their 3-2 loss to the Guardians on April 22, where Tanner Bibee outpitched the Yankees, and the offense, led by Bellinger (.189 BA) and Chisholm (.272 OBP), managed only 2 runs.
Interestingly, the frustration boiled over into dark humor and sarcasm. One user wryly remarked: “Club Mendoza Line back in action. Good thing Cashman is still in charge.” This sarcastic comment, likely from an anti-Yankees fan, mocks the lineup’s reliance on players hitting near the “Mendoza Line” (.200 BA), like Bellinger (.189 BA), and General Manager Brian Cashman’s role in roster construction. The term “Mendoza Line,” named after Mario Mendoza’s career .215 BA, historically signifies batting futility, and fans have used it to criticize Yankees lineups.
Finally, one fan pleaded, “Can we remember how to play baseball today .” The comment echoes a historical incident: The 2024 ALCS Game 4, where Boone’s lineup adjustments (Chisholm to cleanup) sparked an 8-6 win, but fans felt earlier changes could have avoided a tied series. With the 2025 lineup unchanged despite Bellinger’s injuries and Chisholm’s ejection on April 17, fans on X express despair that the team isn’t “playing baseball” effectively, especially with Judge (.415 BA) carrying the offense.
But let’s face it: All’s well that ends well, isn’t it? After all the jabs at Aaron Boone, Carlos Rodon and Aaron Judge could make a difference for the team. With 4 hits and 1 unearned run, Rodon claimed to have “found a rhythm…” And Judge? Well, he tripled and singled in his first two at-bats, and finished 2-for-4 with a walk. Now, as the Yankees head for their home game against the Toronto Blue Jays, hopefully, Aaron Boone will make some adjustments to the lineup.
The post Aaron Boone Faces Fans’ Wrath as Yankees Remain Adamant on Roster Strategy Despite Painful Loss to Cardinals appeared first on EssentiallySports.