Yankees 3 Changes to Stop Dodgers

Yankees 3 Changes to Stop Dodgers

 

The New York Yankees find themselves in a precarious position as they head into Game 4 of the 2024 World Series. Trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 in the series, their manager, Aaron Boone, has been compelled to make some critical lineup changes in hopes of avoiding elimination. The Yankees’ chances of becoming the first team in World Series history to overcome a 3-0 deficit are slim, but Boone is determined to shake things up. Yankees 3 Changes to Stop Dodgers

One of Boone’s considerations was moving Aaron Judge, the team’s slugger, to the leadoff spot. Judge has struggled throughout the postseason, and Boone wondered if putting him at the top of the order might spark his performance. In the end, Boone chose not to make this switch, citing Gleyber Torres’ recent success in the leadoff position as a key reason for his decision.

Boone’s Key Lineup Changes

Instead of adjusting Judge’s position, Boone focused on two other key changes. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will now bat fourth. Austin Wells, a rookie catcher, was also reinserted into the lineup after being benched for Game 3.

Boone’s decision to flip Stanton and Chisholm is a tactical one. Stanton, a right-handed batter, and Chisholm, a lefty, will now provide a left-right balance after Judge. This strategy is designed to prevent the Dodgers from exploiting a lineup stacked with right-handers. “We want to avoid giving them the chance to use a right-handed reliever against multiple batters,” Boone explained.

The Risk of Moving Stanton Down

While the decision to move Stanton might seem strategic, it carries significant risks. Stanton has been among the few consistent performers for the Yankees during the postseason. In Game 1 of the series, he homered and has tallied four hits over the first three games.

Boone’s choice to move him down could reduce his impact. On the other hand, Chisholm has been less reliable in the playoffs. While Chisholm had three hits in the first two games of the World Series and stole three bases in Game 1, his overall playoff numbers are weak. He’s hitting just .170 with a .475 OPS, which raises questions about his ability to deliver in this critical moment.

 

Wells Returns to the Lineup

Austin Wells’ reappearance in the lineup also carries some uncertainty. The rookie catcher has struggled mightily in October, going 4-for-43 (.093) with 19 strikeouts. He was benched in Game 3, only to come off the bench and go 0-for-2. Boone’s decision to reinsert him is perhaps more of a necessity than a choice, as the Yankees are desperate for any offensive spark they can muster.

 

The Dodgers’ Pitching Strategy

The Dodgers will start right-hander Ben Casparius, but they are employing a bullpen game for Game 4. Boone acknowledged that this factored into his decision to adjust the lineup.
The Yankees’ adjustments aim to negate any potential advantage the Dodgers might gain from their use of right-handed relievers. By alternating righties and lefties, Boone hopes to create more favorable matchups for his hitters, avoiding scenarios where the Dodgers can rely on one reliever for multiple outs.

Dodgers on the Verge of a Title

The Dodgers are just one win away from claiming their first World Series title since 2020. Their 4-2 victory in Game 3 was another example of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Despite being on the road at Yankee Stadium, they have silenced the home crowd and dominated the series. Their pitching staff has been particularly impressive, holding the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup in check.

In Game 4, the Dodgers will be looking to finish the job and secure the championship. While the Yankees’ lineup changes may provide a fresh challenge, the Dodgers have shown that they can adjust and perform regardless of the opponent’s strategy.

For the Yankees, Game 4 represents their last chance to extend the series. While the lineup adjustments may provide some hope, the team will need standout performances from Judge, Stanton, and the rest of the offense. Judge, in particular, has faced criticism for his struggles in the playoffs, and Game 4 offers him an opportunity to step up when his team needs him most.

Stanton, despite being moved down in the order, remains a crucial factor for the Yankees’ success. If he can continue his hot streak and Chisholm can deliver in the cleanup spot, the Yankees could finally break through against the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

Challenges Facing Boone’s Decisions

Boone’s adjustments, while rooted in logic, come with risks. Stanton’s move down in the order could backfire if Chisholm and Wells continue to struggle. The pressure is immense for Boone to make the right calls, as any misstep could mean the end of the Yankees’ season.

The decision to leave Judge in the third spot also leaves room for second-guessing.

Conclusion

Game 4 of the World Series is a pivotal moment for both teams. For the Yankees, it’s a do-or-die situation. Boone’s lineup changes are designed to create more balance and give his team the best chance to win. However, the Dodgers are poised to finish the job and claim their World Series title. As the teams take the field, all eyes will be on the Yankees’ adjustments and whether they can force a Game 5, or if the Dodgers will complete the sweep and celebrate as champions.