“Brings a Little Athleticism”: Aaron Boone Explains Using Alex Verdugo in the Clean Up Spot Over Aaron Judge or Juan Soto

Earlier in the season, one of the biggest worries for the New York Yankees was their cleanup spot. Giancarlo Stanton couldn’t be convincing there, neither was Anthony Rizzo able to leave his mark. In a season where Aaron Judge was walking more than hitting, the importance of a good no. 4 was paramount. But with the issue continuously growing deeper, Aaron Boone had a great idea: insert Alex Verdugo in the foul hole.

To his credit, Verdugo immediately proved Boone’s trust to be correct. In his very first game, the star hit a homer and made that position his own. Such was Verdugo’s impact that in his absence, the Yankees suffered immensely in the series against the Baltimore Orioles. But that brings an important question: what made Boone make this decision? The Yankees skipper revealed the reason in his postgame conference.

“I just feel like there’s going to be people on base. And I think he’s (Verdugo) a really good hitter,” Aaron Boone said about Alex Verdugo. “That time, I wanted to give Riz a little blow from the four-hole. I like the construct of it right now. It brings a little athleticism in that post. Especially as we go with Aaron getting on as much as he’s going to get on and obviously Juan. There’s going to be really good opportunities and I just think he’s a really good hitter.”

Verdugo went 3-for-5 last night against the Astros. However, his most important moment came in the very first inning. With Juan Soto and Aaron Judge on bases and the Yankees trailing by 1 run, Verdugo proved to be a game-changer. The Yankees residential barker decided to bite and hit a big 3 run homer in the right field. That immediately set the wheels running of the Pinstripes Hitting Train.

However, for Verdugo, playing between Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton is a surreal experience. The star still pinches himself to believe that he is the centerpiece of this star-studded lineup.

Alex Verdugo remains in awe of his position in the New York Yankees

Verdugo’s been on a high ever since he was chosen as the Yankees’ cleanup. “Oh man. Sometimes it’s a little bit humbling when you’ve got Judge up there, he’s looking down at me, and then you’ve got Stanton back right behind me,” Alex Verdugo said about his position. “I’m like the small guy in the group. But honestly, man, I love it. I really do!”  (Via MLB.com).

Despite what Verdugo says, seeing him on the field, one cannot call him a “small guy.” He’s been one of the most prolific and impressive hitters in a star-studded squad. More importantly, his immediate impact in the Yankees’ clubhouse proves just how highly the team thinks of him. But then even the manager, Aaron Boone, chose to be humble after this momentous win. Perhaps that’s something the Yankees are working on.