One of the big unknowns heading into game one for the Yankees was who would start in left field for the Bombers’ postseason opener in the Bronx.
Apparently, it wasn’t too much of an unknown for Aaron Boone and company, as the Yankee skipper told reporters before Saturday’s game one that it was a “fairly” easy decision to start Alex Verdugo over top prospect Jasson Dominguez.
“I just felt like this was the way to go for game one,” Boone said. “Obviously, Alex has been tremendous out there for us defensively.”
The defense could have been the deciding factor for the Yanks, as Dominguez misplayed multiple fly balls in left field in September, including overrunning a routine fly ball down the line against the Orioles in the first inning. Verdugo has the left field experience, but his bat has been particularly ineffective for months, batting .233 with a .647 OPS on the year. He has been especially cold at the plate since the end of May, but Boone believes that Verdugo will be able to provide a spark at the bottom of the lineup.
“It’s in there for him to do some things for us,” Boone said. “Even though it's been up and down for him in the second half, especially offensively, I still feel like there's a really good hitter in there that can provide something for us at the bottom.”
While Dominguez will start game one on the bench, Boone didn’t rule out changing things up for game two and beyond, but for now, it will be Verdugo patrolling left field.
Elsewhere on the roster, Boone said Ben Rice could see some playing time with Anthony Rizzo nursing fractured fingers, but for game one, Oswaldo Cabrera will get the start at first base.
“He could start a game,” Boone said of Rice. “We could end up being aggressive with a pinch hit in the middle of the game. I find Berti in the first base mix too. Just provide some depth at that position where you might be able to be a little aggressive.”