Former Yankees catcher Jim Leyritz is a winner – a two-time World Series champion – but these current Yankees have not been, starting the season 46-43 as they have dealt with injuries, offensive struggles and pitching hiccups. Manager Aaron Boone is on the hot seat – but Leyritz thinks there is a chance the bench boss can save his job.
“I would say, based on performance, if they get to the playoffs, and they at least get through the first round, [Boone] will be back,” Leyritz told TMZ Sports. “If he doesn’t, it’s up in the air.”
The Yankees begin a series against the division-leading Red Sox this weekend, a pivotal moment for the team’s postseason prospects.
Leyritz predicts a strong showing by the Yankees – who are eight games AL East-leading Boston – will go a long way.
“That [A.L. East] is so tough that I don’t put anything [on it],” Leyritz said. “You know, [eight] games sounds like a lot, but in all honesty that can be erased pretty quickly. And, the Yankees do have enough head-to-head meetings with Boston to do some damage.”
The series is in doubt, however. Thursday’s game was postponed as All-Star outfielder Aaron Judge and five other Yankees players were placed in the league’s COVID-19 protocols. Currently, players on both teams are getting ready to play Friday night, with one source telling ESPN that “we will play.”