After a demoralizing first two games of the AL Division Series in Tampa Bay, it all comes down to Wednesday night as the Yankees fight to keep their postseason run alive in Game 3.
Aaron Boone finally made some changes to the lineup and will give some of the Yankees’ bench their chance in the spotlight, most notably including Anthony Volpe, who is replacing Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, and José Caballero, who is taking Ryan McMahon’s spot at third. This doesn’t come as a huge surprise given their egregious
errors that put the Yankees in an early deficit in Game 2.
The order has been shifted to adjust to these changes, with Trent Grisham taking the leadoff spot, followed by Ben Rice and Luis García Jr. in the hole. Cody Bellinger will take the cleanup spot, followed by George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells will notably start in the middle of the order for the first time this postseason. Rounding out the bottom of the order, Volpe will make his second postseason start this season, followed by Spencer Jones and Caballero.
At first glance, this lineup has some grit and can bring some life to the Yankees’ offense, which has struggled in this series, scoring three runs combined in the first two games. It’s an interesting choice to have Grisham batting leadoff, especially since he’s struggled in the postseason, going 0-for-6 in the Division Series, and missed the final weeks of the regular season due to a hamstring injury.
However, the new additions in Wednesday night’s lineup may give fans some pause. Volpe, who went 1-for-3 during Game 1 of the Wild Card Series with a sacrifice bunt, has the potential to contribute offensively. However, with only having 11 games at second base on his resume in the regular season, will he make an impact on the other side of the ball?
Max Fried will take the bump for the Pinstripes in his second postseason appearance this season. He will go up against righty Nick Martinez, who is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine appearances in the Bronx. Martinez is entering a hostile situation, not only because he’s a starting pitcher for the Rays, but also because he’s returning to a familiar environment, as he attended some Yankees games during his time as a student at Fordham University. He was reportedly even kicked out once after indulging in one too many adult beverages.
Adjusting the mindset from the last two games will be essential as the Yankees prepare to play in one of the most brutal, intense playoff atmospheres in the league. The key to staying alive tonight is driving some runs in early and allowing the bullpen to enter the stage in a low-risk scenario.
Here’s a look at the Rays’ lineup, unchanged from the previous two games in this series, which has Yandy Díaz in the leadoff spot followed by Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero.
