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Benched Ryan McMahon Delivers Clutch Homer to Lift Yankees Over Royals

Boone signaled that the homer will not change a matchup-driven plan to rest him during a lefty-heavy run.

Overview

  • McMahon, used off the bench Friday in the eighth inning, drove a two-run shot to left to break a 2-2 tie and seal the Yankees’ 4-2 win over the Royals.
  • He did not start for a second straight game as Amed Rosario took third base, a choice the Yankees tied to upcoming left-handed starters and tough righties.
  • The homer was McMahon’s first extra-base hit of the year after entering at .119 (5-for-42) with two RBIs, and he said he spent the first six or seven innings taking swings in the cage.
  • Boone said the team sees progress in McMahon’s swing work, which focuses on keeping his shoulders square and preventing his front side from flying open, and he noted better at-bats over the past week.
  • Acquired last July for his glove and left-handed pop, the 2024 NL All-Star has 145 career homers, and his game-winner offers a morale jolt even as his everyday role remains uncertain.