CHICAGO -- The reason Neil Walker played third base for the Yankees on Monday night wasn't a next-day punishment for rookie starter Miguel Andujar, who was the designated hitter for a series-opening 7-0 win over the Chicago White Sox.
That's what manager Aaron Boone claims.
This decision by Boone to keep Andujar off third for a night wasn't even meant to send a subtle message to the 23-year-old Dominican, whose recent defensive struggles bottomed out Sunday night when they directly cost the Yankees a win Sunday night in Boston.
According to Boone, this decision to start Walker at third wasn't done to give Andujar a night to clear his head while the Yankees were in the field, either.