Yankees Revamp Lineup for Critical Game 4 of World Series Against Dodgers
With the New York Yankees on the brink of elimination, manager Aaron Boone is shaking up his lineup to give his team a fighting chance against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series. The Yankees trail 3-0 in the series, and Game 4 will be pivotal to their survival. Boone weighed a major switch—moving star Aaron Judge to the leadoff position—but ultimately decided to leave Gleyber Torres in that role due to his strong performance in the spot.
Instead, Boone has opted for two other adjustments aimed at adding depth and balance to the lineup. Giancarlo Stanton, one of the team’s standout hitters this postseason, will move from the cleanup spot to fifth, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. now in the fourth slot. Additionally, rookie Austin Wells has been reinserted in the lineup, providing much-needed fresh energy despite his recent struggles.
Key Changes: Balancing the Lineup
The Dodgers, turning to right-handed reliever Ben Casparius to start a bullpen game, present a unique challenge, prompting Boone to focus on balance. With Stanton moving to fifth, Boone achieves a more staggered left-right batting order after the right-handed Judge, thus potentially disrupting the Dodgers’ strategy of using right-handed relievers to face consecutive right-handed batters.
“Really just trying to be a little more balanced,” Boone said before the game. “With them doing a bullpen day, this change aligns more with what we’ve done throughout the year. We’re hoping it gives us an extra at-bat or two in favorable situations.” Boone’s adjustments might provide the lineup with more opportunities against a Dodgers bullpen that’s dominated the series so far.
Risks and Rewards: The Stanton and Chisholm Switch
Moving Stanton out of the cleanup spot is a gamble, given his strong postseason numbers. He’s batting an impressive .298 with six home runs, 14 RBIs, and a 1.110 OPS. In the World Series, Stanton has been one of the Yankees’ few reliable hitters, with four hits and a homer in Game 1. However, Boone is banking on Chisholm’s speed and versatility to pressure the Dodgers’ bullpen early in the game. Although Chisholm is hitting just .170 with a .475 OPS this postseason, he showcased his baserunning prowess in Game 1 with three stolen bases.
Stanton’s move to fifth is a return to his regular-season position, especially against right-handed pitchers. Despite the risk of losing his power from the cleanup spot, the Yankees hope Stanton’s presence in the middle of the lineup will provide stability and drive in any runners left on base by the top of the order.
The Return of Austin Wells
Another bold choice is the inclusion of rookie catcher Austin Wells, who struggled mightily in October. Wells went 0-for-2 as a pinch hitter in Game 3 and has managed only 4 hits in 43 postseason at-bats (.093) with a concerning 19 strikeouts. Boone’s decision to bring him back reflects the lack of offensive options at this critical juncture.
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The Yankees are aware of the historic challenge they face. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, but Boone believes his team has the depth and resilience to at least make a dent in the Dodgers’ lead. “It’s do or die now,” Boone remarked. “We’re counting on everyone to bring their best.”
Facing the Dodgers’ Bullpen Strategy
With the Dodgers relying on a bullpen game in Game 4, Boone’s balanced lineup could give the Yankees an edge, allowing them to avoid being overpowered by specific relievers. Casparius’ early performance will likely set the tone, but Boone is prepared for a tactical battle that could swing the momentum in the Yankees’ favor.
As New York steps onto the field in this must-win game, the lineup changes could play a decisive role in turning the tide against Los Angeles. The Yankees will need every advantage to overcome the odds and rewrite World Series history.
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