Yankees News: Aaron Boone backs Anthony Volpe, Old-Timers' Day 2025, Luis Gil update

The New York Yankees fell four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays after dropping another one to their division rival on Monday night. This loss was a total team effort: the offense was nowhere to be found, the defense made two errors that resulted in two runs, and Carlos Rodón melted down shortly after New York grabbed the lead.

Luckily for the offense and Rodón, the malfeasance of Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe took centerstage. Their errors in the bottom of the fifth sealed the Yankees' fate.

In the case of Peraza, it simply doesn't matter. He'll be gone in a few days when the Yankees make changes at the trade deadline. But Volpe? That error tacked on to his league-leading 12 through 99 games (he had 16 across 160 games last year). Both of these were routine plays, and Volpe committing an egregious error right after Peraza was the definition of bush league.

But guess who was there to back Volpe when the hard-hitting questions came? Aaron Boone! The manager claimed Volpe is still a "top shortstop" and that he's only made "a few extra errors."

Technically, Boone isn't wrong. Volpe is on pace for 19 errors on the year, which is two above his career high. In theory, Volpe "hasn't made a few plays" that has gotten him to this point, but the bigger topic of discussion is the regressing defense. Don't forget about the other questionable throws and decisions Volpe has made that don't show up in the box score. Yankees fans watch this team every night and there's no denying Volpe is taking massive strides in the wrong direction. But the Yankees will keep pretending it's not happening.

Yankees News: Old-Timers' Day 2025, Luis Gil and Ryan Yarbrough updates

For whatever reason, after the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Yankees didn't bring back Old-Timers' Day the way that it was intended. The event was on hiatus until 2022, and when it returned, there was no game. The day just featured some legends and icons in attendance, with 2023 featuring a Q&A with the 1998 World Series team.

But times are changing. The Yankees amended their facial hair policy this past offseason. They will no longer play "New York, New York" after losses. And, in 2025, the Old-Timers' game will take place at Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2019.

The Yankees made the announcement on Monday and fans responded positively. This has been a cherished day at the ballpark ever since its inception in 1947. This year will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 2000 World Series team. Sorry, Mets. The festivities will take place on Aug. 9 before they take on the Houston Astros.

*Quietly whispers* Derek Jeter isn't involved this year ...

On the injury front, the Yankees got some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first? Does it even really matter?

Luis Gil will make his next rehab start at Triple-A on Wednesday and could return to the Yankees within the next week or so. It was reported Wednesday could be his last outing before being activated, but it's likely he logs one more start to ensure he's built back up properly. That will be a massive win for the ailing starting rotation if he can immediately contribute effectively.

What doesn't help is that Ryan Yarbrough has quietly been delayed in his return from an oblique injury. It's been exactly one month since the left-hander landed on the injured list and Boone said his recovery is taking longer than the Yankees anticipated. Never heard that one before! Yarbrough is still continuing his throwing program but has yet to throw off a mound.

Better hope those trade deadline plans are revolutionary.