After opening day was postponed for the Yankees and Red Sox due to inclement weather, things are seemingly shaping up to get started on Friday afternoon at 1:05 PM. The Yankees will feature Gerrit Cole on the mound, with Boston deploying Nathan Eovaldi as their opening day starter for the third consecutive season.
The Yankees also unveiled their batting order for the first time this season, making a few interesting decisions and leaving out one big player.
Yankees’ Opening Day batting order:
1.) 3B: Josh Donaldson
2.) RF: Aaron Judge
3.) 1B: Anthony Rizzo
4.) DH: Giancarlo Stanton
5.) 2B: DJ LeMahieu
6.) LF: Joey Gallo
7.) CF: Aaron Hicks
8.) C: Kyle Higashioka
9.) SS: Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Last season, the Yankees featured DJ LeMahieu as their primary leadoff hitter, but newly acquired third baseman Josh Donaldson got the nod to start the 2022 campaign.
This spring, Donaldson hosted a .321 average with three homers, six RBIs, and nine hits. Donaldson is known for his incredible power, leaving the Yankees with an interesting decision. LeMahieu featuring in the five slot is unusual given his great contact abilities. You could argue that having a big-time slugger in that slot would be more beneficial, but it seems as if the entire batting order is full of big bats.
The biggest surprise is Gleyber Torres being left out of the hitting order entirely. LeMahieu will start at second base with Torres riding the bench to open the season.
This spring, Torres hit. 294 with 10 hits and three homers, also showcasing great offensive capabilities. However, his defensive qualities are a liability.