The Yankees put on a defensive display Thursday night that looked nothing like a major league team. They made four errors against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The result was brutal: six unearned runs, zero earned ones. It’s the first time that’s happened to New York since 1913.
Jose Caballero did not make any of those errors. But he also didn’t exactly look smooth in left field. The 29-year-old was acquired from the Rays in July 2025 to add versatility, and he’s played all over the diamond. But some fans and analysts have started questioning whether he can handle regular outfield duty.
Manager Aaron Boone had a different take.
“I think he’s great wherever I put him,” Boone said, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Caballero backed that up with a solo homer in the fourth inning that traveled 400 feet, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead at the time. He finished 2-for-4 with the home run and an RBI, no strikeouts.
So far in 2026, Caballero is batting .259 with eight homers and 28 RBIs. Not elite numbers, but solid enough for a guy who can play second, short, third, and both corner outfield spots.
Boone was less forgiving about the rest of his team’s glove work.
“We just didn’t do a good job of taking care of the ball tonight,” Boone said, via Bryan Hoch of MLB’s official website. “It’s just not up to the way we’ve been playing, or capable of playing. Ultimately, it was too much to overcome.”
Where the errors happened
New York started Cam Schlittler, who actually pitched well. He gave the Yankees a chance. But the defense behind him crumbled. By the time the damage was done, Boston had six runs without earning a single one in the traditional sense. That stat line from 1913? It’s a reminder that this kind of meltdown barely ever happens, even in baseball’s messy early days.
Left field is the real question now. Caballero is not a natural outfielder. The Yankees traded Everson Pereira and future considerations to Tampa Bay to get him, and they clearly value his bat and positional flexibility. But if he’s going to be out there regularly, he has to get more comfortable tracking fly balls and reading the wall at Fenway.
No one is saying he’s the main problem. The team made four errors. But when your manager has to publicly defend your play in the outfield, it’s a sign that the front office might be looking at trade options or a lineup shuffle. Next man up could be someone like Jasson Dominguez if the Yankees decide Caballero is better used as an infield utility guy.
For now, Boone is sticking with him. And Caballero keeps hitting. That probably buys him more time out there, but the margin for error is getting thin in the Bronx.
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