TAMPA — In the end, the Yankees lastly confronted a left-handed starter on Saturday.
With it got here Paul Goldschmidt’s debut as a leadoff hitter, and it wasn’t simply to get him at-bats.
Aaron Boone is toying with the concept of utilizing the right-handed hitting Goldschmidt as a leadoff man in opposition to lefty starters throughout the common season, although he didn’t come near placing it in pen.
“We’ll see how the roster shakes out and everything,” Boone stated after an 8-7 loss to the Phillies at Steinbrenner Discipline. “It’s definitely something I would consider. Whether I do it, I don’t know that yet.”
Austin Wells is about to be the leadoff hitter in opposition to right-handed starters, taking the chance and working with it in camp.
However Saturday marked solely the third time the Yankees have confronted a lefty starter this spring, giving Boone fewer alternatives to strive various things there.
Because it stands, the Yankees could solely have 4 or 5 right-handed hitters of their lineup in opposition to a lefty: Goldschmidt (who had a .366 on-base proportion in opposition to lefties final season), Aaron Choose, Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez (a switch-hitter who is healthier from the left facet) and probably Pablo Reyes if he makes the staff as a righty platoon at third base with Oswaldo Cabrera.
“That was my first time doing it, so it was kind of fun,” Goldschmidt stated after going 0-for-2 with a stroll. “It was a little different, but for me, I try to take the same at-bats I always take. I’ve hit a lot of different positions, probably two through seven … in my career. It’s not really different, no matter where you’re hitting. By the time you get in the box, you just get in there and compete, try to have a good at-bat.”
Goldschmidt was enjoying for the primary time since Monday, when he exited after two at-bats resulting from again soreness. The 37-year-old stated he felt “great” after Saturday’s recreation and is predicted to play six or seven innings Sunday.
“Good day for him,” Boone stated. “He’s good to go.”
