The New York Yankees changed their batting order on Saturday against the Washington Nationals in game two of the 2020 regular season. In game one, they featured Tyler Wade as a supplement for DJ LeMahieu, who was still working his way up to baseball form. However, manager Aaron Boone believes he is ready to take the next step forward, and that is starting as a leadoff hitter for the Bombers.
The New York Yankees’ starting batting order:
1.) DJ LeMahieu
2.) Aaron Judge
3.) Gleyber Torres
4.) Giancarlo Stanton
5.) Aaron Hicks
6.) Luke Voit
7.) Gary Sanchez
8.) Gio Urshela
9.) Brett Gardner
In the Yankees’ game won victory over the Nationals, Tyler Wade had a fantastic performance. Over two at-bats, Wade had one hit and one walk, driving in one run. On a double from Aaron Judge in the third inning, Wade scored from first base.
His solid defending and elite speed made him valuable on Opening Day, but LeMahieu he was simply too good to keep on the bench for any longer.
In 2019, LeMahieu had a record season, posting .327 batting average with 26 homers and 102 RBIs. His utility value around the infield was significant for a Yankee team that couldn’t remain healthy.
DJ leading off gives the Yankees immediate support on the bases. His on-base percentage last season was .375, the second-highest in his entire career. Right behind him is Aaron Judge, who had hit three home runs in the previous two games before Opening Day.
Of course, opposing teams can’t look past Gleyber Torres and Giancarlo Stanton, who hit a home run in the first inning of Thursday evening, to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead.
In addition to this exciting news, the Nationals scratched starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg from their lineup, calling on emergency pitcher Erick Fedde to take his place. Fedde lost the fifth-starting position to Anthony Voth this summer camp period, so the Yankees will have a much easier matchup on Saturday evening.