With the World Series shifting to Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees are making strategic adjustments in hopes of turning their fortunes around as they face a 2-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
According to Talkin’ Yanks, Aaron Boone has opted to keep Aaron Judge in the three spot between Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, despite Judge’s struggles at the plate. The Yankees manager remains confident in Judge’s ability to rebound before a home crowd, trusting that his star hitter will find his rhythm in this crucial game.
Yankees adjust lineup ahead of pivotal Game 3 of the World Series
The lineup shift also sees veteran catcher Jose Trevino taking over behind the plate, replacing rookie Austin Wells, who has faced challenges throughout October. Wells has gone 1-for-8 in the first two games of the series and has a .098 postseason batting average (4-for-41) with one home run and three RBIs. Boone’s decision to start Trevino is partly influenced by the catcher’s steady defensive performance and familiarity with Game 3 starter Clarke Schmidt. The duo previously paired up in Game 3 of the ALCS, where Trevino’s strong showing included a 1-for-2 night with an RBI single, though the Yankees eventually lost 7-5 in 10 innings.
In Game 2 of the World Series, Trevino made a pinch-hitting appearance in the ninth inning and nearly turned the game around with a deep fly to center, but the drive fell short, ending the game with the bases loaded as the Yankees lost 4-2. His experience and leadership have prompted Boone to slot Trevino into the eighth spot in the batting order, positioned between Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo, both of whom add balance to the lineup as left-handed hitters.
Another notable change comes with second-year shortstop Anthony Volpe, who has moved up to the sixth spot in the order, now hitting behind lefty Jazz Chisholm Jr. This adjustment aims to add a mix of speed and power to the Yankees’ lineup as they seek to gain an edge over the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Volpe’s placement reflects Boone’s confidence in the young infielder to deliver in high-pressure moments, a quality he has demonstrated throughout the season.
Boone has kept the top of the order consistent, with Juan Soto leading off, followed by Judge and Stanton in the heart of the lineup. While Judge has yet to make a significant impact, going 1-for-9 with six strikeouts in the series, Boone’s faith in his slugger remains unwavering. The manager believes that Judge’s presence between Soto and Stanton can give the Yankees the offensive firepower needed to spark a comeback.
With Clarke Schmidt on the mound for Game 3, the Yankees are leaning into both experience and chemistry to stop the Dodgers’ momentum. Schmidt and Trevino’s prior success working together could be a key factor as New York looks to contain the Dodgers’ bats in their return to the Bronx.
The Yankees, facing a critical moment in the series, are set to take the field with an adjusted lineup they hope will rally them back into contention. First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium, where the fans are ready to back their team in a must-win game.
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