Yankees GM Aaron Boone Highlights Coaching Staff Fitness After Bench Coach Brad Ausmus’ Injury
A team’s success on the field is not solely dependent on its roster but also on the supporting staff working behind the scenes. This is one of the key reasons why even a team as talented as the Dodgers is not automatically considered a guaranteed winner this season. It takes a collective effort—players, coaches, and the entire backroom staff—to build a championship-caliber team. The Yankees are no different, and their general manager, Aaron Boone, recently emphasized the importance of fitness and well-being not only for the players but also for the coaching staff.
Focus on Injury Prevention in a Grueling MLB Season
While injuries among players frequently make headlines and spark discussions, the physical demands on the coaching staff often go unnoticed. However, Boone recently brought attention to this aspect, stressing the importance of ensuring injury-free conditions for his coaching team. Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons, including the postseason, can extend for eight to nine months. Given the long and physically exhausting schedule, players must remain both physically fit and technically sharp to endure the demands of the season. Every year, multiple players across different teams struggle with injuries due to the relentless nature of the sport.
Aaron Boone says that Brad Ausmus suffered a hamstring injury in a pickup basketball game yesterday:
“I advised him not to do that, understandably. But he wanted to take his 55-year-old act out there anyway” 😂 pic.twitter.com/gH8sjB91EI
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 16, 2025
The physical toll of an MLB season is immense. Players not only need to maintain peak fitness but also refine their skills to compete at the highest level. This is where the coaching staff plays a crucial role, working tirelessly behind the scenes to help players stay in top form. But what happens when the coaches themselves sustain injuries? This issue came to light when Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus recently suffered a hamstring injury, prompting Boone to respond in a lighthearted yet telling manner.
Aaron Boone’s Humorous Take on Brad Ausmus’ Injury
According to reports, Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus injured his hamstring while playing pickup basketball. When asked about it, Boone humorously remarked, “I advised him not to do that, understandably. But he wanted to take his 55-year-old act out there anyway.” While the comment was amusing, it also highlighted a serious concern—when a coach gets injured, the impact can be significant. Unlike players, who have designated replacements, coaching staff members hold unique roles that are not as easily filled. Ausmus’ injury means the Yankees will temporarily lose his in-game guidance, which could affect the team’s decision-making and strategy.
The Yankees’ Injury Situation and Season Outlook
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, their priority remains keeping the team as healthy as possible. So far, there have been no major injury concerns apart from minor setbacks like Trent Grisham’s hamstring strain and Jake Cousins’ right forearm strain. With the regular season approaching, ensuring that both players and coaching staff remain fit will be crucial. Boone’s emphasis on maintaining an injury-free squad underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks outside of baseball-related activities.
Despite speculation that the Yankees may be behind the Dodgers and Mets in terms of star power, they are determined to remain competitive. Unlike those two teams, the Yankees may not field a roster filled with superstars, making it even more vital to keep their best players healthy and available. With a mix of experienced veterans like Aaron Judge and promising young talents like Jasson Dominguez, the team has the potential to be a serious contender. A fully functioning and physically fit coaching staff will be essential in helping the players maximize their abilities throughout the season.
Coaching Staff Fitness: A Hidden Factor in Team Success?
Boone’s comments about Ausmus’ injury serve as a reality check—coaching staff fitness matters more than people realize. While it may not receive as much attention as player injuries, a healthy and active coaching staff can provide better training, guidance, and in-game decision-making. The Yankees will need all hands on deck as they look to compete against powerhouse teams like the Dodgers and Mets.
This situation raises an interesting discussion: Could a coaching staff’s fitness be an overlooked advantage in the grueling MLB season? The Yankees may not have the most star-studded lineup, but if they can maintain a fully fit squad—both players and coaches—they might just have the edge they need.
What’s your take on this? Does the fitness of the coaching staff play a bigger role in a team’s success than most fans realize?