The Yankees are staring down the barrel, stuck in an 0-2 hole against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, and manager Aaron Boone is swinging for the fences with some lineup changes for Game 3 in The Bronx. With the season on the line, Boone decided to shake things up, bringing in right-handed hitters Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero to try and ignite an offense that has flatlined.
The Gambler’s Lineup for Game 3
Facing Rays right-hander Nick Martinez, Boone is benching lefty Jazz Chisholm Jr. for righty Anthony Volpe at second base, with Volpe batting seventh. Over at third, right-handed Jose Caballero is getting the nod over lefty Ryan McMahon, batting ninth. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Martinez actually has reverse splits this year. Right-handed hitters are crushing him for a .261 average, while lefties are only hitting .236. So, on paper, this move looks like it plays right into Martinez’s weaker side. But here’s the kicker: other than Volpe and Caballero, George Lombard Jr. is the only other right-handed bat in the Yankees’ starting lineup.
Boone sounds confident in his choices, though. He called Volpe and Caballero “two guys that have been an important part of our team this year that have played important roles, that have played a lot for us.” He added, “I have a lot of confidence in what they bring to the table.” Apparently, the decision solidified on the plane ride home after Game 2. “Just kinda felt like, thinking about it on the plane ride home, made my decision there and then stewed through the lineup yesterday and ultimately excited to get those guys in and hopefully be a little spark for us,” Boone explained. A “little spark” is exactly what this team desperately needs.
A Batting Order On Life Support
Let’s be real, the Yankees’ offense has been an absolute mess at Tropicana Field. They put up a pathetic two total runs on a measly five hits across two games. Aside from Ben Rice, who blasted two solo shots in Game 2, this offense has been a disaster. It’s a shocking turnaround after they exploded for 18 runs in two games against the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, both of which were at Yankee Stadium. Being back home and tweaking the lineup better be enough to keep their season alive, because two runs in two games in the ALDS isn’t cutting it.
Boone, however, still believes in his guys, even with the offensive struggles. He reminded everyone that the Yankees finished the regular season tied for second in the American League in runs scored with 739. “It’s two games,” Boone stated. “Obviously we’re gonna have to swing the bat better if we’re gonna keep this series going, but I feel like [Cody Bellinger] has had some good at-bats and I feel like there’s a number of guys more than capable of getting it going and certainly we gotta do some of that tonight.” And don’t count out the bench guys: Jazz Chisholm Jr., who crushed 19 homers this season, is “ready to go” and could make a huge impact. Boone even said, “As I talked to these guys before the series, it’s gonna take all of us and Jazz might be the most important guy on the field tonight. Just because you’re not in the starting lineup doesn’t mean you’re not gonna be the central figure.”
Volpe’s Big Opportunity
This is only Volpe’s second postseason start, after going 1-for-3 in Game 1 against the Red Sox. In his 78 career playoff at-bats, he’s hitting .256. After what sounds like a wild regular season, he finished it strong, hitting .265 in 49 at-bats in September. Boone clearly sees something in him, saying, “I think Anthony’s played well since coming up at the end of the year , both sides of the ball.” Tonight, the “little spark” has to become a bonfire. The Yankees need to swing the bat, plain and simple, or their season is toast. It’s all on the line in Game 3.
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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