In a surprising twist amid the high-stakes AL Wild Card Series, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has slotted young first baseman Ben Rice into the lineup for Thursday's decisive Game 3 against the Boston Red Sox, opting against the veteran Paul Goldschmidt despite earlier declarations. This comes just a day after Boone insisted that Goldschmidt would face every left-handed pitcher the team encountered, a plan now seemingly shelved as Rice steps up to bat against Boston's rookie southpaw Connelly Early.
The decision underscores the Yankees' ongoing balancing act at first base this season. Goldschmidt, the 37-year-old former NL MVP signed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal last winter, brought experience and a .763 OPS to the Bronx. Yet his performance, while solid against lefties, hasn't quite ignited the lineup as hoped. Meanwhile, Rice, the 26-year-old breakout star from Cohasset, Massachusetts, has emerged as a force, slashing through the regular season with power that propelled him into All-Star conversations. Indeed, his recent hot streak, including a defiant "Yankees Rule" scrawl from his Fenway youth days, seems to have tipped the scales.
However, this shift isn't without risk. The Yankees' offense has sputtered in the series opener, managing just four hits in a 3-1 loss to Garrett Crochet's dominant 11-strikeout gem. Goldschmidt sat that one out too, but his insertion was touted as the counterpunch. Now, with Rice starting—posting a strong .280 average against lefties this year—Boone appears to be betting on youth and momentum over the veteran's steady hand. Moreover, whispers from insiders suggest the Yankees may let Goldschmidt walk after this postseason, paving the way for Rice as the long-term fixture.
Still, the pressure mounts in this do-or-die matchup. Early, the unproven Red Sox hurler, could exploit any inexperience, but Rice's poise might just swing the series. As the pinstripes chase another deep run, one can't help but wonder if this gamble on the kid signals deeper changes ahead for the franchise's infield future.