ST. LOUIS — Brian Cashman often refers to Aaron Boone having to deal with “slings and arrows” thrown at him.
On Friday, the Yankees GM tossed some flowers his manager’s way, at least for how he has handled the heat during the club’s latest tailspin
“The best he can,” Cashman said Friday afternoon at Busch Stadium before the Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Cardinals. “I don’t know how any manager, let alone a manager in a big market like New York — I’ve told him many times how he does the pre- and postgame [press conferences] and navigates that on a daily basis, that’s not easy. Takes a talent in its own right to try to walk through that without losing your cool or getting emotional or what have you. He’s stayed level-headed and even-keeled. He knows how tough this sport is.
“He’s invested in these guys heavily, as we all are. Trying to explain away a difficult play or a bad performance for a period of time, why the storm’s upon us, it’s not an easy task to navigate or deal with and remain cool, calm and collected. He’s obviously done an amazing job of working through that.”
3Aaron Boone is pictured during the Yankees’ Aug. 10 game against the Astros.Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Boone, who signed a two-year extension before this season to take him through 2027, has often drawn the wrath of fans during the Yankees’ two-plus-month skid that sits at 30-37 following Fridays victory.
Both he and captain Aaron Judge prefer to take an even-keeled approach to the roller coaster of a 162-game season, which can irk fans, especially when times are rough.
3Brian Cashman is pictured Feb. 11.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But it is a trait Cashman sees as a strength.
“I know I couldn’t do that,” Cashman said. “I definitely would probably be creating more regretful comments along the way because I would either be from lack of sleep or getting provoked, it wouldn’t take much. I think it takes a certain character and abilities to try to manage a group of 26 guys, especially in a big market through difficult times.”
3Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman are pictured during the Yankees’ October 2024 game.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Paul Goldschmidt (right knee sprain) was not in the starting lineup Friday, but he entered the game as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning, taking over at first base for Cody Bellinger, who shifted to left field.
The Yankees believe Goldschmidt will be able to avoid the injured list despite initially fearing the worst from his injury.
“Definitely [feeling] a lot better,” Goldschmidt said Friday. “Ready to go. … I hit. I’ve run around. I’ve done all the tests that are needed.”
Goldschmidt, returning to the place he spent the past six years before signing with the Yankees in the offseason, received a video tribute before first pitch.
Giancarlo Stanton, who had started three straight games in right field heading into Thursday’s off day, was on the bench Friday with Judge still DHing as he works back from a right flexor strain. José Caballero started in right field and went 2-for-3.
“Just got to be smart with [Stanton’s] body and how he’s recovering,” said Boone, who hoped to have him back in right field Saturday. “He and I are communicating closely on that. … I think we’re doing alright.”
Judge played long toss again Friday, but neither Boone nor Cashman had a date for when he might be able to play the field again.
Amed Rosario (left SC joint inflammation) took fly balls in left field and was expected to hit Friday, with the hope being that he will be activated from the IL when first eligible Tuesday.
Ryan Yarbrough (oblique strain) and Fernando Cruz (oblique strain) both came through their first rehab game Thursday without issue, according to Boone.
