Yankees Prepare for Wild-Card Showdown Against Red Sox

As the New York Yankees gear up for their wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox, lineup decisions loom large. Notably, despite finishing the season with an impressive slugging percentage, Ben Rice, a standout player, is expected to start off the bench. This decision arises as the Yankees brace for their first game on Tuesday, facing left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet.

Key Lineup Decisions

Yankees manager Aaron Boone faces a series of tough choices, particularly regarding Rice, who trails only Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for the highest slugging percentage on the team. Instead of Rice at first base or behind the plate, Boone announced that Austin Wells would catch Max Fried, pushing Paul Goldschmidt to first base. This decision comes despite Goldschmidt’s recent struggles against Crochet, recording only two hits in 15 at-bats with five strikeouts.

Boone’s Insight

Boone stated, “I think Wells is really good back there [at catcher], and he’s been really good with Fried. [Wells] is actually swinging the bat really good here down the stretch, as well.” Wells has been instrumental for Fried, catching 27 of the left-hander’s 32 starts. In contrast, Ben Rice has only faced Crochet eight times, managing just one hit.

Analyzing Matchups

• Against Crochet:
  • Ben Rice: 1-for-8
  • Austin Wells: 2-for-9 (both hits being extra-base hits)

The Yankees have more than just Rice’s position to deliberate. Considerations include third base, where Ryan McMahon’s stellar defense must be weighed against his decline in offense, while Amed Rosario has shined against Crochet, going 6-for-9 with two extra-base hits.

Injury Updates and Bench Strength

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is anticipated to play after being hit by a pitch, although he has struggled against Crochet, going hitless in four at-bats. Boone mentioned, “We expect him to continue to play an important role,” indicating Chisholm’s value even against left-handed pitchers.

Adding to the complexity is José Caballero, who has yet to find success against Crochet, going 0-for-7 with five strikeouts. This leaves Boone with a reliable option in Anthony Volpe, who recently regained his starting shortstop role following a cortisone shot for shoulder issues.

Defensive Focus

Given that Max Fried has one of the highest ground ball rates among starting pitchers, solid infield defense will be crucial in this match-up. Boone remarked, “Obviously, Max being on the mound factors in,” emphasizing the importance of defensive strategies.

Looking Ahead

As the series approaches, the Yankees must decide how to utilize key trade deadline acquisitions such as Caballero and Rosario, both of whom offer versatility. With potential lefty match-ups in the Red Sox bullpen, Boone hinted at adjustments: “They’ve been really good role players here since we got them and we expect them to continue to play an important role.”

The choices Boone makes could very well define the outcome of this best-of-three series, pivotal for the Yankees as they aim to make a mark in the postseason.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying start to the Yankees’ playoff journey.

For further updates and analysis on this exciting match-up, check out ESPN and MLB.com.