Yankees make wild Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice lineup decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The New York Yankees play their second game of the season on Friday in San Francisco against the Giants.
They won 7-0 on Wednesday's Opening Night, then had an off day, and now their lineup is already quite different.
Paul Goldschmidt is the most eye-catching highlight of the new arrangement.
Not only is the former MVP in the lineup after sitting on Wednesday. He's leading off.
Goldy is in at first base in place of Ben Rice.
The Yankees also have Amed Rosario at third base for Ryan McMahon, and Randal Grichuk in the outfield for Trent Grisham.
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Why is Paul Goldschmidt leading off, in lineup for Ben Rice?
This one is simple: The Giants are starting left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray.
Goldschmidt is expected to see most, if not all, of his starts against southpaws.
Last season, Goldschmidt had a .981 against lefties (and only .619 against righties).
Rice's OPS was .860 last season against righties but dropped to .752 against lefties. For what it's worth, that .752 is still solid, and Rice will likely see some appearances against southpaws, too.
Rosario and Grichuk are also in the lineup as right-handed bats in place of left-handed hitters as manager Aaron Boone plays the platoons early.
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