Initially, it appeared to be a lapse in judgment. However, the Yankees labeled it as a strategic move that ultimately backfired.
Regardless, Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s failed bunt double play during the Yankees’ 8-1 loss to the rival Boston Red Sox perfectly epitomized their ongoing struggles. It was a vivid representation of their dismal performances.
“It was just tough,” Kiner-Falefa acknowledged. “We have been unable to execute, unable to get the crucial hit. The overall baseball has been sloppy.”
Kiner-Falefa’s unsuccessful bunt attempt took center stage as the Yankees fell to a 60-63 record. This is the first time they have been this far below .500 this late in the season since 1995.
Engulfed in an offensive slump, Kiner-Falefa opted to lay down a bunt while the Yankees were already trailing 4-0 in the second inning.
It was a perplexing decision considering Kiner-Falefa had been one of the few Yankees who have been performing well recently. He entered the game batting .288 with 20 RBIs since June 22. He had recorded hits in seven of his last nine games, but unfortunately not in this one.
The presence of the relatively immobile Giancarlo Stanton on first base made this decision even more questionable. Stanton is prone to being involved in double plays, which is precisely what transpired.
When Kiner-Falefa failed to execute a successful bunt, Boston catcher Connor Wong reacted swiftly, catching the weak attempt and throwing to first to oust Stanton.
This frustrating play perfectly represented the Yankees’ inability to carry out their plans effectively.
Kiner-Falefa explained that with the third baseman positioned far back, he was attempting to exploit Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford’s reputed fielding weaknesses.
In the third inning, Anthony Volpe tried a similar move with Greg Allen on first base. Unfortunately, both attempts failed as Volpe hit a flyout.
“I was just following the scouting report. [Crawford] has struggled with his throws, so I was hoping to put the ball in his hands and possibly force an errant throw to create a scoring opportunity. It didn’t go as planned,” Kiner-Falefa admitted. “We were just trying to expose his previous struggles. Volpe attempted the same strategy later. So, ultimately, it boils down to a lack of execution.”
Crawford has committed two errors this season, both occurring during a rainy game at Fenway Park on April 17.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone supported the decision, although he acknowledged that the execution was flawed.
“Yeah, he was attempting a bunt for a hit there,” Boone affirmed. “With the third baseman positioned
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