Yankees Reinstate Chisholm Jr., Rice for Game 2 Against Red Sox
BOSTON – The New York Yankees have reinserted Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice into their starting lineup for Wednesday’s Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the boston Red Sox, shifting gears after a lineup constructed to maximize right-handed hitters failed to deliver in a 3-1 loss Tuesday night. Both players where held out of the lineup for Game 1 against Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet.
The move comes as the Yankees face boston right-hander Brayan Bello. Manager Aaron Boone had prioritized right-handed bats against Crochet, opting for Paul Goldschmidt and Amed rosario in place of Chisholm and Rice. However, wiht a righty on the mound, the Yankees are deploying a lineup featuring their regular, top players.
Chisholm and Rice were unavailable for comment.
Tuesday’s game saw Goldschmidt go 2-for-4 while Rosario finished 0-for-3. Rice did not enter the game,while Chisholm was brought in for defensive purposes in the eighth inning and flied out against Aroldis Chapman with the bases loaded in the ninth.
Ryan McMahon also returned to the lineup at third base Wednesday, after José Caballero started at the position in Game 1. While Rosario could have played third, allowing Chisholm to play second, the Yankees prioritized defense with Max Fried pitching, choosing the right-handed hitting Caballero.
The decision to bench Chisholm for game 1 appeared to frustrate the player, who conducted his postgame interview with his back facing reporters.
