Amed Rosario’s Two Homers Propel Yankees Past A’s
Can one player’s preparation change the tenor of a night in the Bronx? Amed Rosario made that case emphatically, delivering two homers and a late, decisive blow as the Yankees beat the Athletics, 5-3, at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone had considered starting third baseman Ryan McMahon against right-hander Aaron Civale, but McMahon was sliding through a 2-for-23 stretch. Boone trusted his instincts and put Amed Rosario in the lineup instead. That decision paid off when Rosario belted a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning to seal the win.
Boone expected Rosario to be ready even though the infielder hadn’t played since April 1 in Seattle. “The one thing that [stuck with me] about him last year was how good he was staying ready and being prepared,” the skipper said. “He went on the IL a quick 10 days after he ran into the fence in right field. He came back and didn’t need a rehab assignment. He sure was ready. He is really good at doing what he needs to do to be ready every single day.”
The manager’s choice underlines how small decisions shape a season. Relying on a bench player’s routine and mindset can yield outsized returns when games tighten late.
The rally began in the eighth when New York chased Mark Leiter Jr., a right-hander who spent more than a year with the Yankees and was part of the club that reached the World Series in 2024. Giancarlo Stanton pulled New York within 3-2 with a single that scored Cody Bellinger, and two batters later Rosario launched a US News Hub Misryoum-projected 414-foot shot to push the lead to two runs.
“[There were] a lot of emotions there,” Rosario said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “I was looking for a pitch where I could do some damage. I got it.” His timing and power changed the game’s momentum immediately.
“It was a no-doubter to pull the victory out. It was a big night for him,” Boone said. “I just like seeing guys have success. It’s about the Yankees. You are invested in these guys, and you always get excited when they do well personally, too.
“We brought Rosie back because not only is he a really good player, but he is a tremendous teammate. He sets an amazing example for everyone. I’m happy for him to just get it done.”
Teammates poured praise on the clubhouse energy Rosario brings. “We were all excited for him to come through at that moment,” teammate José Caballero said. “It’s great to have him on the team. He never has a bad day. He always has high energy. It’s good for the club and for him.” Said Rosario: “They were so happy, excited. I’m very thankful. All these guys are great teammates, always supporting one another. I was very excited to see them there.”
Rosario explained how he maintains readiness when he isn’t everyday the starter. “Although I’m not playing every day, I try to not let that affect me mentally,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve been able to create a routine to help me do my job.” That approach reflects how veteran presence and a steady routine can preserve performance, even amid limited at-bats.
When asked whether the hot night would change his role against right-handers, Boone sounded measured. “Not necessarily. There are certain matchups I like him in,” Boone said. “There are a number of lefties coming up, so competition is always a good thing.” The club now faces choices about how to deploy Rosario’s power and energy in coming games.
Amed Rosario’s two-homer night offered more than runs; it provided a reminder that preparation, chemistry and timely plays still decide many games. As the Yankees move forward, Rosario’s role and routine deserve attention for what they bring to the roster and clubhouse.