Ben Rice takes the top spot after a record-setting performance in Game 1 against the Red Sox. He went 4-for-5 with two homers, including an electrifying grand slam in the eighth inning, and drove in six runs. It’s also worth noting that fellow Massachusetts native Cam Schlittler also showed no mercy in Boston, pitching six and a third scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts to completely shut down the offense.
Cody Bellinger, who went 1 for 4, will be second, followed by Luis García Jr. in the hole. He will start first for Game 2 against Paul Goldschmidt, who was 0 for 3 with two walks and a run scored Tuesday night. Spencer Jones will take the cleanup spot after going 1 for 3 with two runs scored and a walk in the Game 1 blowout win. He will play right field alongside Trent Grisham, who returned in Game 1 after being reinstated from the IL.
Brilliant in his postseason debut, going 3-for-4 and scoring two runs, George Lombard Jr. is the perfect transition to slide into the bottom of the order and the only right-handed hitter in the starting nine. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will start second ahead of Anthony Volpe, who had a promising performance in the opener.
Grisham, who was out for most of September with a hamstring injury, returns to his comfort zone at center and will occupy the seventh spot in the lineup. He will be followed by Austin Wells, who went 1 for 3 with two hits and identical RBIs Tuesday night. Ryan McMahon will round out the order and start third ahead of Amed Rosario, who struck out on three pitches from Payton Tolle in the second.
Here’s a look at the Red Sox lineup, which features former Yankee Jahmai Jones at the top. It’s a real throwback to the past since he was at the head of the Pinstripes not so long ago.
With a win against the Red Sox on Wednesday, the Yankees will advance to face the Rays in the ALDS. Don’t miss a second of the action and tune in to NBC at 8 p.m. EST.
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