Yankees Adjust ALDS Game 3 Lineup Facing Elimination
Manager Aaron Boone makes changes at second and third base in an effort to stave off defeat against the Rays.
With their American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Tampa Bay Rays on the brink, the New York Yankees have altered their starting lineup for Game 3. Manager Aaron Boone is shifting personnel at second and third base in an effort to avoid elimination.
José Caballero will make his postseason debut at third base, replacing Ryan McMahon. Anthony Volpe is set to start at second base, taking over for Jazz Chisholm Jr. These changes come as the Yankees face Rays right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez. Luis García Jr. remains at first base. Trent Grisham is slated to bat leadoff, and Austin Wells will hit sixth.
McMahon's offensive contributions have been minimal, and he committed a crucial fielding error in the first inning of Game 2, which was one of four errors made by the Yankees in that contest. Chisholm also made an error in Game 2, including a throw that disrupted a potential double play.
Caballero's start marks his first of the postseason. The expectation is that his speed and aggressive playstyle can inject energy into the lineup, while his defense at third base is considered reliable behind pitcher Max Fried. Volpe had previously started over Chisholm in Game 1 of the AL wild-card series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
García had a three-hit performance with a home run in Game 2 of the wild-card series, but his offensive consistency has wavered in recent weeks.