Josh Donaldson and Aaron Boone had an extended meeting in Boone’s office before Sunday’s series finale against the Rangers, a win that Donaldson wasn’t a part of due to being benched for the third straight game.
Asked about the conversation after the game, Donaldson downplayed any potential frustration with his role on the team, or any potential differences in opinion on how his prolonged slump should be handled.
“Just a lot of ball talk and just talking,” Donaldson said. “We talk often, actually. It’s not kind of abnormal for us to have conversations.
“Obviously I want to play, but that’s not why we were talking…at the end of the day, I’m happy our team won, and whatever way I can help this team win ballgames and contribute in any way possible, that’s what I’m here for.”
Brian Cashman recently told reporters that he felt Donaldson needed more consistent at-bats, and more “runway,” to make a fairer judgement on his declined production since being traded to the Yankees before last season. But Donaldson was benched for the entire series against Texas, suggesting that Boone may not be aligned with that mentality. Still, Donaldson, batting below .200 on the season, says he is ready to do whatever is asked of him.
“It’s fluid all the time,” Donaldson said. “We have a lot of guys here that can play the infield and play different positions…however I’m able to be used, that’s how I’ll be used.
“I think it’s probably the first time I haven’t played three straight days here when I’m healthy. But at the end of the day, that’s the move that was made. I’m not questioning the moves…I can control what I can control, which is putting in my work and preparing for whatever role that is.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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