New York Yankees’ veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson has hit a rough patch this season, or rather since the last season. Since coming to the Bronx in 2022, his form has stayed majorly on the downside. Regardless, he got an opportunity to play in 2023, which he failed to utilize. After just five games, he pulled up a hamstring which led to a prolonged six-weeks absence.
Josh Donaldson returned from IL around the same time when Aaron Judge injured his toe. Hence, as a veteran, Josh’s responsibilities were to take charge of the offense. But, unsurprisingly, he failed to step up once again. Moreover, the baseman’s prolonged slump forced the Yankees to bench him, and the decision apparently did not sit well with the 37-year-old as he chose to confront the manager, Aaron Boone.
Josh Donaldson Meets Yankees Manager Privately After Being Snubbed Third Time In Row
When the Yankees announced its lineup for the series finale against Texas Rangers on Sunday, third baseman Josh Donaldson’s name was nowhere to be found. After being benched for the first two games of the series, the baseman was expected to return for the series finale. However, when he found his name missing, the batter fumingly barged into the Yankees manager’s office. The reporters waiting on the sideline for Aaron Boone’s pre-game interview saw Josh walk past them as he refused to take out time to talk to them.
Later, Josh Donaldson spent around 45 minutes in the manager’s office, which delayed the press meeting by 30 odd minutes. After the meet, Donaldson once again snubbed the reporters and angrily walked away. Aaron Boone then came out for his scheduled press conference and talked about the things that unfolded inside the office behind closed doors. Boone refused to share any particular details. He said that it was just a normal conversation and they were on the same page. However, the baseman’s body language suggested otherwise. With Josh not sure of wanting to play next season, speculations are doing rounds that the team might cut ties with him this season itself. Regardless, nothing remains confirmed from the Yankees’ front office for now as they await the trade deadline to inch closer.
Josh Donaldson Snaps At Reporters For Cooking Up False Stories
After snubbing the media personnel the first time around, Yankee’s third baseman Josh Donaldson agreed to speak after the game. He said that he has never been snubbed for three games in a row since he arrived in the Bronx to play for the Yankees. Hence, the rarity of the events led to his agitated behavior. Further, Donaldson turned on to media. He claimed that his conversation with manager Aaron Boone included personal stories. That’s about it.
“We talk often it’s not abnormal for us to have conversations” -Donaldson on his pregame chat with Boone pic.twitter.com/ll3G9925gY
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 25, 2023
The media is responsible for cooking up false stories with mindless assumptions and taking things out of context. For what it’s worth, the closed-door conversation seemed to have worked in the baseman’s favor. Aaron Boone affirmed that he and Josh Donaldson are fine, and the baseman will play actively during the upcoming road trip to the West.
