TAMPA – Finally, the Yankees finally faced a left-handed starter on Saturday.
This was accompanied by Paul Goldschmidt's debut as a leadoff hitter. And it wasn't just about hitting him.
Aaron Boone has been messing around with the idea of using right-handed hit Goldschmidt as a leadoff man against a left-handed starter during the regular season, but he has not come close to putting it in the pen.
“We'll see how the roster shakes and everything shakes,” Boone said after an 8-7 loss to the Phillies at Stein Brenner Field. “That's definitely something I think about. I don't know if I'll do that yet.”
Austin Wells is set to be a leadoff hitter against a right-handed starter and will use the opportunity to run at camp.
However, Saturday was the third time the Yankees have faced a left-handed starter this spring, and Boone has fewer opportunities to try out different things there.
As it stands, the Yankees may only have four or five right-handed batters in their left-handed lineup: Goldschmidt (who had a .366-on-base percentage against left-handed last season), Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez (switch hitter from the left side) and potential Cabrera.
“It was my first time, so it was a bit fun,” Goldschmidt said after going 2-0 on a walk. “It was a bit different, but for me, I always try to take the same batting. In my career, I've probably hit two or seven different positions. No matter where you hit it, it's no different. Come in the box, compete and compete.”
Goldschmidt was playing for the first time since Monday. The 37-year-old said he felt “great” after the match on Saturday and plans to play six or seven innings on Sunday.
“A good day for him,” Boone said. “He's okay to go.”
