Boone weighs Judge-Soto switch but hesitant to mess with Yankees lineup now

Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted to be contemplating a potential lineup change involving Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, though he isn’t ready to make the move immediately.

Boone disclosed that he has been weighing this adjustment for the past few weeks, despite being hesitant to alter the roles of the two players who currently lead the major leagues in OPS.

The Yankees skipper stressed that any lineup modification would aim to enhance the team’s overall offensive production. Recent games have intensified this consideration, particularly after the Blue Jays consistently pitched around Judge during their series, a strategy that proved challenging for the Yankees to counter.

This pattern persisted in Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Angels, where Judge was walked three times, including once intentionally in a crucial moment during the first game. The rationale behind potentially moving Soto to the third spot is to secure more hittable pitches for Judge in the second position.

Boone explained that his lineup decisions are centered on maximizing run production for the team as a whole. He noted that despite opponents’ efforts to limit Judge’s impact, the Yankees have been scoring runs effectively. The manager also emphasized the importance of achieving balance within the lineup as a key factor in his decision-making process.

“I look at it as a lineup as a whole and what makes the most sense for us scoring runs,”the Yankees skipper told on Wednesday. “Scoring runs, we’ve been doing a really good job of that, whether they’re putting on Judge or not. So it’s more just — I obsess on trying to have as much balance as I can. So that’ll factor in. Getting [Giancarlo Stanton] back into the mix and getting him going again could factor into that too, when you look at those first four or five hitters in the lineup. 

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Boone also mentioned that Giancarlo Stanton‘s return and potential resurgence could influence the top of the order. He highlighted the significance of considering how the first four or five hitters interact and complement each other’s strengths.

He expressed satisfaction with the team’s current offensive output, signaling a reluctance to make major adjustments. Nonetheless, Yankees manager Boone emphasized the importance of maximizing the contributions of both Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.

Boone highlighted the emergence of Alex Verdugo as the new leadoff hitter, noting how this move, along with Soto’s position, results in a lineup featuring two left-handed batters at the top and three within the first four spots, with Austin Wells batting fourth behind Judge.

Boone also discussed the potential impact of Giancarlo Stanton’s return to form. He suggested that if Stanton regains his pre-injury effectiveness, the lineup could alternate between left and right-handed hitters, starting with Verdugo, Judge, Soto, Stanton, and Wells.

Regarding Anthony Rizzo‘s recovery from an arm fracture, Boone indicated that a decision about his role at first base is still several weeks away. He mentioned that Rizzo had participated in live batting practice but still needed time to build up his strength. In the meantime, Ben Rice and DJ LeMahieu are covering first base duties. Boone expressed anticipation for Rizzo’s return and the lineup decisions it would entail.

On Clarke Schmidt‘s recovery from a lat strain, Boone reported positive progress. Schmidt felt good after a recent 20-pitch live batting practice session and is scheduled for another on Saturday.

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