Yankees Consider Changes Ahead of Game 3
As the postseason progresses, Yankees manager Aaron Boone hinted at possible adjustments to the lineup for Game 3 of the ALDS.
The Blue Jays are set to pitch Shane Bieber, a right-hander who has shown a reverse split since his return from Tommy John’s surgery. The sample size is limited, but it’s worth noting.
On a side note, Paul Goldschmidt has a perfect 6-for-6 record against Bieber in his career, and he’s being considered for inclusion in the lineup on Tuesday.
“I get it,” Boone mentioned while at Yankee Stadium. “I plan to spend today making my decision. We might see one or two changes, or, who knows, it could stay the same.”
If Goldschmidt gets the nod, it likely means Ben Rice will find himself on the bench. Rice hit a two-run homer during Game 2 against the Red Sox but has struggled since, striking out seven times in his last 12 plate appearances.
In the previous games, the Yankees faced Blue Jays starters Kevin Gausman and Trey Mancini.
Interestingly, Boone was contemplating starting Goldschmidt in Game 2 but opted to stay with Rice, believing one swing might shift the game’s dynamic.
Against Bieber this season, the right-handed batter has a .297 average and a .936 OPS, while left-handed hitters have only managed a .156 average with a .434 OPS against him. Historically, Goldschmidt’s stats show he has balanced splits.
“There are also considerations about their bullpen and how to create the best matchup,” Boone said.
Meanwhile, Blue Jays manager John Schneider mentioned they are looking into whether reliever Selantny Dominguez may be tipping his pitches. Aaron Judge was on base during part of that game and seemed to touch his helmet before Dominguez threw to Rice; some believe Judge could have been trying to deceive Dominguez.
“It’s critical to be precise and tight with our gameplay,” Schneider explained. “We just need to analyze and adjust as necessary.”
Earlier in the season, Schneider expressed some concerns regarding how the Yankees were relaying pitches to batters from second base, implying that MLB is aware of such strategies.
“It’s not all good,” Schneider clarified. “They’re a strong team, but we need to be mindful of how common these tactics can be across the league.”
On Monday, several Yankees, including Goldschmidt, Rice, and a few others, practiced fielding and batting. Carlos Rodon and Cam Schlittler also participated by throwing, while other team members were indoors receiving treatment.
“For many, it serves as a reset—a moment to get both heart and body right,” Boone reflected. “But that can look different for everyone.”
Lastly, Judge was named a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award, which recognizes the best offensive players in each league during the regular season. He previously won this honor in 2022 and 2024.
