Aaron Boone Doesn’t Regret Handling Of Rafael Devers Matchup

Rafael Devers always seems to step up when the Red Sox face the Yankees, but Aaron Boone didn’t seem to panic about the All-Star slugger’s history against New York. Boston won the series over its American League East rivals last weekend thanks to two home runs from Devers in Sunday’s matchup at Yankee Stadium. Devers […]

Rafael Devers always seems to step up when the Red Sox face the Yankees, but Aaron Boone didn’t seem to panic about the All-Star slugger’s history against New York.

Boston won the series over its American League East rivals last weekend thanks to two home runs from Devers in Sunday’s matchup at Yankee Stadium. Devers has 28 home runs and 71 RBIs off a .871 OPS in his eight-year career against New York. He especially does well against Gerrit Cole, but last weekend’s series didn’t deter Boone’s strategy against the Red Sox.

“It’s Gerrit, and we’re in the fifth inning,” Boone told Jomboy on the “Talkin Yanks” podcast Tuesday “And he punches out the lead-off hitter in that situation. Do I want to go get my ace with one out in the fifth? Now, the case for it for me in that situation is not Raffy Devers. The case for me in that situation is it was an incredibly hot day. You can feel that on both sides. And obviously, Gerrit is still trying to get back to that top, full-built-up form. … With Gil, I felt, frankly, with the way he was throwing the ball, he was in such a good spot. … He’s the guy with the best chance to keep the ball in the ballpark and/or get him out. And then I get the question of would you walk him there, which to me is an absurd question.”

Devers produces eye-popping numbers whenever he faces Cole. In 43 plate appearances, the 27-year-old has eight home runs and 18 RBIs off a 1.370 OPS. However, Boone had a firm response to Devers’ numbers.

“I would say over the next several years, those numbers will come back to within reason,” Boone said. “Not saying Raffy sees him well, different reasons. He’s had his number to some degree. But I also believe those will correct a little bit, and it won’t be that obsence.”

Indeed, in those 43 plate appearances against Cole, Devers struck out 15 times and has been walked four times. So fans can expect the Yankees to challenge the Red Sox slugger again the next time the sides meet.