Image Source: MLB.com
ny yankees manager Aaron Boone has made a dramatic lineup adjustment ahead of Wednesday’s must-win American League Division Series Game 3, hoping to revive an offense that has managed only two runs against Rays pitching.
Anthony Volpe will return to the starting lineup at second base, while José Caballero gets the nod at third base in place of Ryan McMahon. Boone also moved Trent Grisham into the leadoff position as New York searches for more energy and traffic at the top of the order.
ny yankees Turn to Volpe and Caballero for a Critical Spark
“I just felt like I wanted to change a couple of things up,” Boone said, according to MLB.com. “It’s two guys that have been an important part of what we’ve done all year. I felt like it was the right thing to do tonight.”
The changes come after the Yankees were held in check during the opening games of the series. Entering Game 2, Ben Rice and Austin Wells had been the club’s most productive hitters, while the rest of the lineup had combined for just one hit in 46 at-bats.
Volpe’s return offers both defensive stability and speed. Since rejoining the club in early September, he has hit .265, going 13-for-49 with three doubles, one home run, nine RBIs and five stolen bases. Boone said the decision was designed to provide greater balance, particularly against right-handed pitching.
“It felt like it made some sense to get him in there tonight,” Boone said. “A few more righties at least in the lineup tonight, give a little more balance.”
José Caballero Gets a Powerful Opportunity
Caballero’s start carries an added storyline. The infielder has previously expressed a desire to make the Rays pay after they traded him last summer. Now, he will have the opportunity to do so in one of the most important games of the Yankees’ season.
Caballero replaces McMahon at the hot corner, giving Boone a different look while potentially adding more athleticism to the infield. His inclusion also reflects the manager’s belief that familiar contributors can provide a spark when the offense is searching for answers.
Grisham’s move to the leadoff spot is another major part of the strategy. Boone said he considered the changes during the flight home and spent additional time reviewing the lineup before finalizing his decision.
“I’m excited to get those guys in, and hopefully it will be a little spark for us,” Boone said.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Waits for His Next Big Moment
Jazz Chisholm Jr. will not start Game 3, but Boone emphasized that the second baseman remains an important part of the team’s plans. Chisholm is hitless in six ALDS at-bats, though he has drawn one walk and stolen one base.
Unlike before Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series, Boone did not send Chisholm a text message explaining his role. However, the manager insisted that being left out of the starting lineup does not make a player less important.
“Just because you’re not in the lineup doesn’t mean you’re not the most important player tonight,” Boone said. “It might be in the biggest spot, so he’s ready to go.”
Chisholm’s postseason struggles come after a difficult regular season. He entered the year hoping to challenge for 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases while potentially moving toward free agency. Instead, he finished with a .231/.312/.399 slash line, 19 home runs, 55 RBIs and 41 steals in 137 games.
He also committed one of New York’s four errors in Game 2, throwing wide of first base. Chisholm said he would still attempt the play again, although Boone later clarified that his main concern was the erratic execution rather than the decision to make an aggressive attempt.
Yankees Need More From the Middle of the Order
First baseman Luis García Jr. is another player under the spotlight. He recorded three hits in the second Wild Card Game against Boston but is 0-for-7 with two strikeouts in the ALDS. Boone said he did not seriously consider replacing García with Paul Goldschmidt.
“I always feel like he’s a ticking time bomb,” Boone said of García, suggesting that a breakthrough could come at any moment.
For the ny yankees, the formula is straightforward: reach base early, avoid defensive mistakes and deliver timely hitting. The lineup changes are not a complete overhaul, but they represent an urgent attempt to alter the series’ momentum.
With elimination pressure mounting, Volpe, Caballero and Grisham will be asked to provide immediate production. Chisholm, meanwhile, could become a decisive late-game option if Boone needs speed, power or a dramatic postseason response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ny yankees change their lineup for Game 3?
Aaron Boone wanted to create a spark after the Yankees scored only two runs in the series. He inserted Anthony Volpe and José Caballero while moving Trent Grisham into the leadoff spot.
Is Jazz Chisholm Jr. injured?
The source does not report an injury. Chisholm was held out of the starting lineup after going hitless in six ALDS at-bats, but Boone said he remained ready for a key situation.
Who replaced Ryan McMahon at third base?
José Caballero received the start at third base for the Yankees in Game 3.
How has Anthony Volpe performed since returning?
Since rejoining the club in early September, Volpe has hit .265 with three doubles, one home run, nine RBIs and five stolen bases in 49 at-bats.
