The Yankees just pulled back the curtain on their Game 1 lineup for the Division Series from Tampa Bay, and it’s clear they’re not messing around. This is it, folks, the start of the next chapter in their postseason run, and they want that series opener win badly.
Rice is Leading the Charge After TORCHING Boston
Look, after what Ben Rice did to the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, it’s absolutely zero shocker to see him leading off for the Bronx Bombers. Dude was on fire, absolutely dominating, and the expectation is he’s gonna keep that scorching streak alive against the Rays. Cody Bellinger is right there batting second, with J.D. García Jr. in the hole, holding down the third spot. This top of the order? It’s basically what we saw in Game 2 when they clinched that sweep against Boston. No surprises there, just pure momentum.
Key Moves at Second and Right Field
But scroll down the order a bit, and you see some serious decisions. Spencer Jones is hitting cleanup and snagging the start in right field, a big call over Heliot Ramos. Then you’ve got George Lombard Jr. in the fifth spot. And check this out: Jazz Chisholm Jr. is getting the nod at second base, starting over Anthony Volpe. That’s a huge vote of confidence right there. Trent Grisham is holding down center field, no real shocker there, and Austin Wells is, as expected, behind the plate. And on the bump? The main man, Gerrit Cole, is locked in to start. This is the lineup that’s gotta deliver.
So, that’s the attack plan from New York. Over on the Rays’ side, Yandy Díaz is leading them off, followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero. It’s all happening at the Trop, and Game 1 is absolutely massive. Gotta take that opener, gotta set the tone. Let’s go!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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