JUST-IN: Yankees Make Several Lineup Changes, Including New Leadoff Hitter, Third Baseman

Given the way the Yankees’ roster is set up, it was clear there would be some changes to the lineup for the second game of the regular season.

With the Brewers starting left-hander Nestor Cortes after ace Freddy Peralta, a right-hander, took the mound on Opening Day, manager Aaron Boone made several adjustments. Every spot in the batting order was altered compared to Game 1, including multiple position changes and two bench players getting a start.

Here’s the lineup Boone set for the game against Cortes and the Brewers:

• Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
• Cody Bellinger, LF
• Aaron Judge, RF
• Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B
• Anthony Volpe, SS
• Austin Wells, C
• Pablo Reyes, 3B
• Jasson Domínguez, DH
• Trent Grisham, CF

Boone mentioned on Saturday morning that he spent “most of the day” thinking over the lineup while the Yankees had Friday off.

Goldschmidt won’t be the permanent leadoff hitter against lefties, but Boone chose him to lead off against Cortes, citing his strong performance against left-handed pitching. Though Boone considered putting Volpe in the leadoff spot, Goldschmidt’s track record tipped the scales in his favor, and Boone gave him a chance to lead off in spring training as a preview for the regular season.

Paul Goldschmidt,

Goldy hits lefties really well,” Boone said. “I considered loading up righties at the top, but the way that would unfold didn’t feel right. Just another good hitter at the top hopefully works in our favor.”

As for Reyes starting at third base over Oswald Peraza, with Oswaldo Cabrera also available, Boone pointed to Reyes’ excellent spring performance.

“He’s done a really good job,” Boone said. “Defensively, his versatility, he’s played everywhere. He’s done a great job in the field and has swung the bat well. I’ve enjoyed seeing him play every day. He earned his spot on this team, and he did it through his performance. He brings a different dynamic to our lineup, a bit of balance, and I’m excited to see him today.”

Once Boone decided Grisham should start in center against Cortes, he moved Domínguez to the DH role, not as a knock on his defense but as a choice between Domínguez and Aaron Judge getting a DH day.

“I feel like he keeps getting better,” Boone said of Domínguez’s defense in left field. “His spring training work was excellent. As it went on, we saw his athleticism and speed come into play, and his routes got better and better. I expect him to be really good out there.”