Home/Articles/MLB
MLB·PREVIEW·September 30, 2026 11:03 PM ET

Yankees set eight-lefty lineup for AL Wild Card Game 2

George Lombard Jr. is the lone right-handed starter

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 40m1 min read
Post on X

What happened: Ben Rice moves to leadoff, with Cody Bellinger batting second and Luis Garcia Jr. starting at first base. Spencer Jones slots cleanup, George Lombard Jr. is the only right-handed hitter in the starting nine, and Max Fried gets the ball for New York.

Why it matters: The setup gives New York a different infield look from the outset, with Luis Garcia Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan McMahon drawing starts. It also pushes Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Volpe and Amed Rosario into reserve roles at first, second and third base.

By the numbers: Rice went 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI in Game 1. George Lombard Jr. went 3-for-4 with two runs, while Cam Schlittler worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts.

What to watch: Watch how the left-heavy top of the order settles in once Game 2 begins. The game is scheduled and opens with the score 0-0.

Sources

Box score
CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
MLBPreviewNew York Yankees
Follow MLB Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportMLB
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report