The New York Yankees have made some bold decisions the past week in a bid to strengthen their existing roster. After all, it was the need of the hour, considering the slump the team witnessed a few weeks ago. The Bombers started the chopping process by assigning outfielder Aaron Hicks for an assignment. With that, the outfielder’s seven-year tenure in New York came to an end.
Hicks had not been performing up to expectations in the past, not one but several seasons. Hence, his axing was inevitable. However, the fans proposed a wild theory wherein they predicted that after Hicks, infielder Josh Donaldson could be next in line to face axing. But to everyone’s surprise, the team manager’s latest comments on Josh’s future have disappointed the Yankees fans.
Josh Donaldson To Resume His Third Base Duties Post Return, Confirms Aaron Boone
The third baseman Josh Donaldson’s resurgence in the 2023 MLB season lasted only five games. During a chilly afternoon in the first week of April, the baseman strained his hamstring and has been on the injury list ever since. Prolonged rest and one unsuccessful rehab assignment later, Donaldson sustained a bizarre injury at home which delayed his return by a couple of weeks. All these factors led the fans to believe that the Yankees might DFA him next after Aaron Hicks. However, the manager has bad news for the fans.
Aaron Boone, on Tuesday, confirmed that when Josh Donaldson makes a comeback, he will resume his duties at the third base as a regular starter. Boone feels placing Josh at third elevates the team’s winning chances. If the said happens, one among DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres will have to make the ultimate sacrifice. For now, Josh is still completing his rehab, and it could still be a few long weeks before the baseman can return back to the lineup.
Yankees Fans Slam Aaron Boone For His Recent Comments On Josh Donaldson’s Future Plan
New York Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, revealed the team’s plan for third baseman Josh Donaldson. He said Josh isn’t going anywhere and will stay as a regular starter post his return. However, the news of Donaldson’s regular starter status was met with trolling from some fans and critics. Boone’s comments have not sat well with the loyal Yankee fandom. They are absolutely against this decision and want Donaldson out of the roster sooner than later. The trolling ranged from sarcastic comments about Donaldson’s performance to questioning the team’s judgment in making him a regular starter.
However, the Yankees are not yet ready to part ways with Josh Donaldson. The infielder still earns $27 million per year. Hence, the team somehow has to justify his payroll before designating him for assignment. Overall, the baseman’s fate is in his own hands. Boone’s comments might have brought in some relief, but that only holds true if he performs. As soon as his performance starts dropping, Donaldson should start looking out for his future.