TORONTO — Marcus Stroman came to the Yankees known as a fiery competitor.
For the first time this season, that spilled over into some outward frustration on the field and in the dugout Friday night, when he got upset with Gleyber Torres not turning a potential double play quickly enough.
But thanks in part to the Yankees taking the lead the next half inning on the way to a blowout win over the Blue Jays, the situation was quickly diffused, which Aaron Boone attributed in part to the “closeness” of the clubhouse.
“You never want to get in a situation where you’re voicing frustration in and around a play or of a teammate,” Boone said Saturday at Rogers Centre before the Yankees suffered an ugly 9-3 loss. “But 162 [games], we’re family, it happens. One of the reasons you’re able to handle those things and deal with them well is because of the strength of that room and the closeness of these guys. I don’t think anyone really took much offense to it.
“It’s a passionate play in the middle of a game. I think Stro handled it really well immediately after and in the aftermath. We’re good. We’re playing for a lot and sometimes that spills over on a given day. When the room’s strong, you’re able to handle those kind of things.”
Stroman said after the game that he checked in with everybody he needed to check in with, beginning with Torres.
Shortly after he yelled on the mound — he appeared to be saying “Throw the f—ing ball” — then got out some more screaming in the dugout, he was the first one to greet Torres after he clubbed a two-run homer.
Since he signed with them in January, the Yankees have encouraged Stroman to be himself, which includes wearing his emotions on his sleeve.
But Boone appreciated how the right-hander handled Friday’s situation, including being the first out of the dugout to congratulate Torres after his home run.
“That’s who he’s been,” Boone said. “That’s the kind of teammate he’s been since he walked in the doors here. We love him and I know he loves being on this team and part of this. That’s just who he is. Again, a little emotion in a moment, but it doesn’t break the closeness of that group.”
It took 89 plate appearances, but DJ LeMahieu finally picked up his first extra-base hit of the season Friday night, which the Yankees hope was a sign of things to come.
The veteran infielder had started the year 13-for-75 (.173) with 13 singles before roping an RBI double to left field.
He however went hitless in three at-bats with a walk in Saturday’s loss.
“Hopefully it’s something that continues to build with him,” Boone said. “Just string together quality, tough at-bats and we’ll see where we’re at.”
Nick Burdi (right hip inflammation) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Sunday in Tampa. He is not eligible to come off the 60-day IL until late July.
Jahmai Jones, who has gotten some more playing time of late because of injuries, racked up a career-high three hits on Friday night while serving as the DH.
Jones, who did not play Saturday, entered the day batting 8-for-31 (.258) with a .762 OPS.
“Talk about energy givers and energy suckers, he’s definitely an energy giver,” Boone said. “I think that’s an attribute you definitely want to have with all your guys, but especially guys that are role players or coming off the bench.
“He knows the strike zone, he’s got some juice in the bat, he can pop the ball the other way. It’s been good to see him take advantage of some opportunities that he’s got.”
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