With their World Series hopes hanging by a thread, the New York Yankees have shaken up their lineup for a pivotal Game 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Trailing 3-0 in the series, the Bronx Bombers are hoping some timely adjustments can help ignite their slumbering offense and stave off elimination.
Stanton Slides Down, Chisholm Moves Up
In a surprising move, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone opted to slide slugger Giancarlo Stanton from his customary cleanup spot to fifth in the order. The change comes despite Stanton’s sizzling .298 average and six homers this postseason. Replacing him in the four-hole is the switch-hitting Jazz Chisholm Jr.
The rationale behind the switch? Boone is aiming to alternate lefties and righties in the heart of the order, making it tougher for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to play matchups with his deep bullpen. By batting Chisholm fourth between righties Aaron Judge and Stanton, the Yankees hope to neutralize L.A.’s stable of shutdown relievers in high-leverage spots.
“We’re just trying to create a little bit better of a balance and make it as tough as possible for them to get through us,” said Boone in his pregame press conference. “Jazz has been swinging it well, so I like him in that spot and bumping G down one just helps lengthen things out.”
— Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
Wells Gets Starting Nod Behind Plate
The other notable change for New York is the insertion of rookie catcher Austin Wells into the starting nine. Wells didn’t start Game 2 but came off the bench to go hitless in two at-bats. The highly touted backstop has struggled mightily in October, slashing a paltry .093/.169/.140 with 19 punchouts.
Despite Wells’ postseason woes, Boone is banking on the youngster’s offensive upside to provide a spark at the bottom of the lineup. The skipper also cited Wells’ strong rapport with Game 4 starter Nestor Cortes as a factor in the decision.
“I know the numbers aren’t there yet for Austin, but I really believe in this kid,” Boone said. “He and Nestor have worked great together all year, and that comfort level is important. We need someone to step up and be the hero, and Austin has that in him.”
— Aaron Boone on starting Austin Wells
Judge Looks to Snap Series-Long Slump
For the lineup tweaks to pay dividends, the Yankees will need a resurgent performance from star outfielder Aaron Judge. After a historic 62-homer campaign, Judge has been a shocking non-factor in the World Series, going just 1-for-12 with eight strikeouts and no RBIs.
With New York’s season on the brink, there’s no better time for the likely AL MVP to regain his monstrous form. If Judge can rediscover his stroke and the batting order changes click, the Yankees may just have a puncher’s chance at authoring a miraculous comeback.
“We all know what Aaron’s capable of. He’s the best player in the game for a reason,” Boone said. “Even the greatest hitters have down stretches, but I’ve got total faith he’s going to lead the way and get us back in this thing.”
— Aaron Boone on Aaron Judge
Dodgers Undaunted, Confident in Bullpen Game
The Dodgers, meanwhile, expressed little concern over the Yankees’ lineup shuffle. Armed with a 3-0 lead and a nearly untouchable bullpen, Roberts’ squad remains wholly focused on securing the franchise’s eighth title.
“Obviously Judge and Stanton are the guys you think about, but we’ll attack them and the rest of the lineup the same way we always do,” said Roberts. “We’ve got a plan, we’ve got the arms, and we’ve got the confidence. Our job is to close this out tonight.”
The Stakes: History on the Line
The Yankees’ proverbial backs are firmly pressed against the wall. No team in MLB history has ever climbed out of a 3-0 hole to win the World Series. In fact, only one club — the 2004 Red Sox — has even forced a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0.
If New York is to pull off the impossible, it will have to start with a Game 4 victory. And if those lineup changes prove to be the catalyst for a historic reversal of fortunes, they’ll be forever etched in Yankees lore.
The first pitch is set for 8:07 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. Cortes will toe the slab for New York, while the Dodgers will deploy a cavalcade of relievers in a bullpen game. Will the series end in a blue-and-white celebration in the Bronx, or can the Yankees live to fight another day? The baseball world will be watching with bated breath.
