Boone’s decision, like most he’s made these days, backfired with Williams allowing two runs to send the Yankees to a fifth straight loss in their 2-0 setback. Williams is now 3-4 with a ghastly 5.44 ERA and has allowed runs in six of eight appearances in the second half, including four straight, to post a 9.39 ERA in this stretch.

It meant the Yankees’ fifth straight defeat, all since the trade deadline last Thursday, and it came after Williams also blew the save in the ninth inning of Monday’s loss to the Rangers. The disappointment dropped the Yankees (60-54) to a half-game lead over the Rangers (60-55) for the third and final wild-card spot.