Aaron Boone is hoping a break will help snap Gary Sanchez out of his funk.
The Yankees manager said Tuesday that he is benching his catcher for the two-game home series against the Washington Nationals, WFAN's Sweeny Murti reported. Combined with Monday's off day, Sanchez will have a three-day breather.
The All-Star catcher is batting just .190 this season with 12 homers and 35 RBIs. He's been especially brutal in the 15 games since May 22, going 4-for-53 (.075) with no home runs and two RBIs.
Sanchez, who leads the majors with nine passed balls, also has been dealing with some bumps and bruises, including a calf issue. Boone said sitting the catcher was more about resting him physically than giving him a mental break.
MORE: Jon Paul Morosi On WFAN: Tanaka Injury Has Heightened Urgency For Yankees To Trade For Pitcher
The manager added that he believes the end of Sanchez's slump is "right around the corner."
Sanchez is frustrated by his slump because he said he is missing pitches he normally hits."I feel like that, with him, is right around the corner," Boone said, indicating the physical reason was the greater factor in deciding to sit Sanchez.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) June 12, 2018Boone refuses to say Sanchez is being benched for a 'mental health day.' Blames the 'wear and tear of catching.' Says Sanchez tried to fight him 'a little bit' on sitting for two straight games. pic.twitter.com/oM5QbsNUMg
— Maggie Gray (@MaggieGray) June 12, 2018 Boone said Sanchez tried to fight him "a little bit" on sitting out Tuesday's and Wednesday's games, WFAN's Maggie Gray reported.Austin Romine will start in Sanchez's place.
ROTATION SET
With Masahiro Tanaka on the disabled list, the Yankees will turn to 23-year-old right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga on Thursday against Tampa Bay. Loaisiga, who is making his major league debut, is 6-1 with a 3.00 ERA between Class-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton this year.
Domingo German will start Friday, and Luis Severino will take the mound Saturday.
