On the surface, it seemed like a no-brainer. Neil Walker’s career numbers against righty Lance Lynn impressed: 40 at-bats, 15 hits, including three homers, a .375 average.
Lynn started for the Twins against the Yanks Wednesday at the Stadium.
Walker sat.
Sometimes, there’s stuff below the surface.
“It was actually a really tough decision for me. I grinded over it most of the day,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “Obviously, he’s had good success against Lance. I like the matchup.”
So why did Boone go with Tyler Austin? Well, there’s the below-the-surface stuff.
Austin is awaiting MLB’s decision on his appeal of a five-game suspension for charging the mound against Boston on April 11.