In a surprising twist amid the tension of the AL Wild Card Series, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has shifted gears, opting to start young first baseman Ben Rice over veteran Paul Goldschmidt against Boston's rookie left-hander Connelly Early in Thursday's decisive Game 3. This comes just days after Boone's firm declaration that Goldschmidt would handle every lefty matchup, a plan that crumbled under the weight of Rice's breakout performance throughout the season.
Rice, the 26-year-old from Massachusetts who once scribbled "Yankees Rule!" on Fenway's foul pole as a kid, has emerged as a force. His .763 OPS isn't eye-popping, but it's backed by timely hits and a poise that belies his inexperience—think 11 home runs in limited action early on, evolving into a reliable bat during the regular season grind. Indeed, the Yankees' faith in him has grown, especially as they eye long-term stability at first base. Goldschmidt, signed last winter to a one-year, $12.5 million deal, was meant to mentor the youngsters while providing that seasoned punch. Yet at 37, his flashes against lefties—solid .280 average there—haven't offset the overall dip, with a team OPS hovering around league average.
However, Boone's reversal isn't without controversy. Earlier in the series, Goldschmidt sat against Garrett Crochet's dominant lefty stuff, where Boston eked out a 3-1 win. Now, with Rice penciled in, the move underscores the Yankees' youth movement, even in high-stakes October. Goldschmidt himself has embraced the role, vowing to do "whatever I can" to support Rice and the kids, a nod to his one-year stopgap status. Still, whispers from insiders like Jim Bowden suggest the Bronx Bombers are ready to let the seven-time All-Star walk this offseason, handing the keys to Rice full-time.
Moreover, this playoff pivot highlights the Yankees' delicate balance between experience and potential. Rice's inclusion could ignite the lineup, but it risks exposing the rookie's vulnerabilities against a hungry Red Sox squad. As Game 3 looms, one wonders if this bold choice will propel New York deeper into the postseason or expose cracks in their strategy.