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Yankees Cling to Playoff Spot as Injury-Plagued Slump Puts Boone on the Hot Seat

Boone insists the Yankees can rally into October despite extensive roster losses to season-ending injuries.

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 6: Mark Leiter Jr. #56 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field on August 6, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees looks on after giving up a two run double against Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros in the fifth inning during their game at Yankee Stadium on August 10, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone looks on during batting practice prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28: Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after a pitching change in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

Overview

  • After another listless loss on Sunday, the Yankees are less than a game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League wild-card spot.
  • Boone said that being in playoff position shows the team still controls its fate and pointed to past late-season comebacks as reasons for optimism.
  • Former catcher Jorge Posada used Old-Timers’ Day to absolve Boone of blame by attributing the skid to key players being “banged up” and not at full strength.
  • Season-ending injuries to Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt and Oswaldo Cabrera, combined with new reliever ailments and the delayed debut of Luis Gil, have severely depleted New York’s pitching depth.
  • Some fans and commentators have called for Boone’s removal if the Yankees miss the playoffs, reflecting his low approval rating and rising front-office scrutiny.