Critical mistakes by Amed Rosario and Ali Sánchez contributed to the New York Yankees' 6-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader. Both players are intended to provide depth and fill part-time roles for the Yankees.
Rosario was involved in a baserunning error in the fourth inning that prevented the Yankees from potentially tying the game. He was thrown out at home plate after failing to score from second base on Heliot Ramos' double. "Difficult read there, but at the end of the day, I just have to get myself in a better position, trying to give myself a chance there to score if you have an opportunity," Rosario said through an interpreter. "I just put myself in a bad position to score."
Later, in the fifth inning, Sánchez's passed ball allowed the Red Sox to extend their lead to 2-0. Rosario was also indirectly responsible for the runner reaching second base on that play. With one out, he threw errantly to first base attempting to double up a runner, hitting the runner and allowing him to advance. Despite the bases-loaded situation with two outs and a light-hitting batter, Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón missed with a pitch, which Sánchez could not handle. The runner from second base advanced and scored.
"I think Ali’s been pretty good behind the plate — obviously, the passed ball is a ball we have to catch," manager Aaron Boone said. Sánchez acknowledged the mistake, stating, "I just have to catch the ball."
These performances could prompt the Yankees to explore other options. Anthony Volpe has been getting reps at second and third base and could potentially fill an infield need. The Yankees had been seeking a catcher before the trade deadline but did not acquire one, losing out on a target to the Red Sox. Veteran catcher Mitch Garver was signed to a minor league contract in early August and has an opt-out clause in his contract that expired Friday. Garver is reportedly considering major league offers while with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He appeared in 50 games for the Mariners last season, hitting .175 with four home runs and 15 RBIs.