Yankees Abandon Media Training in Protest As Blatant On-Field Injustice Sparks Astros Collapse

The Yankees actually put a lot of effort into media training. They prepare players on how to deal with the spotlight, whether it’s handling the press, fans, or social media. That includes things like video sessions showing good and bad examples from other athletes, guest talks from media pros like Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera, and tips on staying sharp online. But lately, with all the back-and-forth between Yankees players and umpires, a lot of that polish has gone out the window.

Especially after the blown calls in the Astros series, guys in the clubhouse haven’t held back. Until now, we have seen Jazz Chisholm taking the fight to the umpires and being vocal over the media. But after more than 6 blown-up calls on Wednesday that went against the Yankees, more names are coming forward. Ft. manager Aaron Boone, Austin Wells, and Devin Williams.

“Yeah, I thought it was maybe a little inconsistent,” Boone said when asked what he thought about the umpiring on Wednesday.

Both the Astors and Yankees went back and forth in what had all the makings of a playoff preview. But what everyone’s going to remember is the Yankees’ eighth-inning collapse.

Notably, the turning point came with what the team blasted as an “inconsistent” strike zone from home plate umpire Brian Walsh. With the game tied 4-4, Williams came in to try and keep Houston quiet. He gave up a leadoff double to Carlos Correa, then issued a walk to Jesus Sanchez after a couple of close ball calls went against him.

What’s more was that after working the count to 2-0, Williams painted the inside corner with what looked like strike one, only for Walsh to call it a ball. That made it 3-0, and Trammell eventually drew a five-pitch walk to force in the go-ahead run. Enough for Williams to have heat with the umpire and get ejected. “I already looked at [the replays],” Williams said after the game. “[Walsh] definitely missed four [pitches] and I told him, and he threw me out for it.”

Meanwhile, it’s not just the umpires, but the Yankees are tripping over themselves at the worst possible time.

The Yankees are also battling their own meltdown

Right in the middle of the playoff push. Reportedly, four games back of the Blue Jays, they’re in do-or-die territory if they want more than just a wild-card shot. And Wednesday’s loss was a perfect storm.

Every reliever the Yankees used played a role in the collapse. Especially, Camilo Doval put the nail in it by letting three inherited runners score on a hit. Command issues have been dogging him ever since he came over from the Giants.

And then starter Will Warren actually gave them a decent outing. He just allowed one run through five, but it all unraveled when Jeremy Penna jumped on his first-pitch slider in the sixth for a homer. Boone admitted he was managing Warren batter-to-batter. The reason? The Astros had shifted to a more aggressive approach, making the fifth inning a grind!

In the end, the Yankees’ 7-8 loss wasn’t just about missed calls. It was also about their own mistakes. And with the postseason picture tightening, that kind of meltdown could immediately prove costly. Much like last year’s World Series against the Dodgers!