This Is Planet Earth

I don't know that planet!

Aaron Boone was pushed too far. In defense of his shortstop, Boone snapped back at the notion that Anthony Volpe could be sent to Triple-A.

As reported originally by The Athletic, the Yankees manager wondered: “What planet does that guy get sent down that’s a shortstop? I don’t know that planet.”

Yeah, so that first sentence came together about as cleanly as a routine grounder to the beleaguered infielder. But Boone isn’t in his role to teach public speaking. With microphones in front of him for hours every day, the man is entitled to a clunker.

I just wasn’t sure if the statement was genuine or a kiss of death. Volpe has committed a league-leading 18 errors so far this season. (Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz leads MLB with 22.) Though this isn’t the time of year to begin searching for upgrades.

Boone’s comments came on Thursday, prior to the Yankees first of four on the road against the White Sox. At the time, Volpe was plodding through an 8-for-75 stretch. After his manager’s comments, …