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Yankees Announcer Slams Aaron Boone Ahead of Cardinals Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 12:30 PM ET

We can officially include longtime New York Yankees announcer Michael Kay among those questioning Aaron Boone’s judgment and strategies.

Kay blasted Boone on Thursday, one day after his latest strange decision in a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Rather than use one of his top bullpen arms in the sixth inning of a 1-1 game, Boone instead called on Yerry De los Santos to relieve rookie Cam Schlittler. Although De los Santos had quietly posted a 1.57 ERA in 28 2/3 innings entering Wednesday, he nonetheless allowed three straight hits, the last being Kody Clemens’ two-run, go-ahead double.

Boone then inserted Mark Leiter Jr., who later allowed Clemens to score on a Royce Lewis double.

“Every single pitcher in the bullpen was available last night!” Kay said. “Who’s your best? Who’s your best to pitch the sixth inning?”

ICYMI on The @RealMichaelKay Show on @880ESPNNewYork:

Where is the New York Yankees’ urgency? pic.twitter.com/JoqGGXTDBG
— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) August 14, 2025

Kay openly wondered why Boone didn’t use Leiter or Luke Weaver to start the sixth inning in a must-win game. The Yankees are 29-35 since June 1 and trail the Toronto Blue Jays by a season-worst 6 1/2 games in the AL East.

“People have to wake up,” Kay said. “The season is slipping away. It’s slipping away.

“You’re tied in the loss column with the Cleveland Guardians,” Kay continued. “You’re tied. And the Texas Rangers … they’re breathing down your neck.”

The Yankees have a half-game advantage over the Cleveland Guardians for the AL’s third and final Wild Card spot. Next up for the Yankees is a 61-61 St. Louis Cardinals team that just dropped two of three to the lowly Colorado Rockies.

In most seasons, hosting a team fresh off a series loss to the Rockies would bode well for the Yankees. Based on the past two months, though, you’ll understand why some Yankees fans are likely expecting the worst this weekend.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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