Joe Kelly's Comments Bothered Yankees Manager Aaron Boone After Dodgers' World Series Win
Yesterday at 08:35 PM
When he took the job, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone knew it wouldn’t come without criticism. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t bother him, though.
After the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the Yankees in a five-game World Series, Los Angeles pitcher Joe Kelly took aim at the Yankees during an appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. Kelly criticized various aspects, from the Yankees’ relatively smooth path to the postseason to their lack of fundamental play in the World Series.
The Dodgers capitalized on six unearned runs across the five games, while the Yankees didn't score any.
“We were saying it every single game, just let them throw the ball to the infield,” Kelly said. “They can’t make a play.”
Boone acknowledged the comments saying he was bothered “a little bit” by Kelly’s criticism of his team.
“A little bit,” Boone said on Monday when asked if he was bothered. “The bottom line is, we didn’t play as well as we could’ve. Obviously, especially had a tough inning in Game 5. So, that’s the ultimate disappointment. Try never to get too caught up into what other people are saying or doing, especially when it comes from certain places.”
In the fifth inning of Game 5, the Yankees committed two errors, which helped the Dodgers erase a 5-0 deficit and tie the game at 5-5. One critical mistake came from pitcher Gerrit Cole, who failed to run to first base after a ground ball to first baseman Anthony Rizzo. This mental lapse allowed Mookie Betts to reach base on a single, keeping the inning alive.
The Dodgers won 7-6 and Kelly became a free agent shortly after.
The 36-year-old pitched in 35 games for the Dodgers in 2024, posting a 4.78 ERA along with 35 strikeouts and 16 walks over 32 innings. However, Kelly was sidelined during Los Angeles’ postseason run due to a shoulder injury.
Boone will return as the Yankees’ manager for an eighth season after the team picked up his 2025 club option on Friday.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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