3 Changes Aaron Boone Needs to Make for ALCS Game 5 to Save the Yankees
It's officially desperation time for the New York Yankees. After losing three straight to the Houston Astros, the Bronx Bombers are down 3-1 in the ALCS, one defeat away from watching the World Series at home.
It goes without saying, but the pressure is on skipper Aaron Boone. He's got to make some big changes for Friday night's game at Yankee Stadium. Well, here's three Boone must make, no doubt about it:
3. Don't Let Adam Ottavino See the Bump
What in the name of sin has happened to Adam Ottavino this postseason? The man has completely lost his abilities. After a largely dominant regular season, the righty has four appearances in the postseason in which he hasn't recorded a single out. FOUR! That's not only insane, but also inexcusable. Boone keeps feeding him the ball in key situations. That can't be the case in Game 5. Keep him off the field at all costs.
2. Get Austin Romine in for Gary Sanchez
Speaking of not letting someone play, it's time to make the not-so-difficult call with Gary Sanchez: let him ride the pine. El Gary has been a liability at the plate for New York this postseason, posting a .120 batting average. When you're barely hitting half your weight, you know it's a problem. While he did belt a two-run homer in Game 4, it came in an 8-3 loss. Every at-bat counts in Game 5. Who do you trust more, Sanchez or Austin Romine? At this point, probably Romine, who's a better defensive catcher too.
1. Get Giancarlo Stanton in the Lineup at DH
Stanton has been out since Game 2 with a quad injury. Yankees fans have grown impatient, even booing him earlier this week in the Bronx after it was announced he was still out of the lineup. In his place, Edwin Encarnacion has been struggling mightily. With Stanton not able to play in the field, why not let him swing the lumber as the team's DH after another day of rest?
The season is on the line here. Stanton needs to man up. He was running the bases before Game 4, but was ruled out. No excuses for Game 5. It could be the last game of the year. Grab a bat and get ready to try and save this team.