The New York Yankees posted their lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Padres and left José Caballero out of it.
That decision came a day after Caballero went hitless in New York’s 5-1 win at Petco Park. He still found ways to help. Caballero walked twice, scored a run and moved around the infield as the Yankees built an early lead.
The 30-year-old utility man finished 0-for-2 on Saturday. He started at third base, then shifted to second after a midgame change.
New York scored four times in the second inning. Caballero reached on a walk during that rally and later crossed the plate on Cody Bellinger’s single.
The Yankees needed that burst. Carlos Rodón worked five innings and the bullpen shut San Diego down the rest of the way.
Sunday’s game is set for 4:10 p.m. Eastern at Petco Park. Gerrit Cole is lined up for New York. Michael King is expected for the Padres.
The series is tied 1-1. New York sits at 81-61 and is chasing a playoff spot in the American League East. San Diego is 74-68 and trying to stay in the National League West picture.
FantasyPros posted the Yankees’ Sunday order as: “NYY Yankees Lineup 09/06 1. Ben Rice DH 2. Cody Bellinger LF 3. Luis Garcia 1B 4. Spencer Jones CF 5. Jazz Chisholm Jr. 2B 6. Jasson Dominguez RF 7. George Lombard SS 8. Ryan McMahon 3B 9. Austin Wells C.”
That group puts Caballero on the bench. Ryan McMahon is back at third. George Lombard is at short. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is at second.
Caballero has filled several spots this season. He has started at short, second and third depending on who is healthy and who is hot.
His season line heading into Sunday was .235 with 89 hits, 13 home runs, 47 RBIs, 45 runs and 31 stolen bases in 121 games.
Those stolen bases remain a big part of his value. Managers like having that speed available late, even if he is not in the starting nine.
He did not collect a hit Saturday, but the two walks kept his on-base percentage from taking a bigger hit. He has worked counts all year.
The Yankees have mixed and matched their infield for weeks. Injuries and slumps have forced Aaron Boone to shuffle names more than he would like.
Caballero’s last start before Saturday came against the Angels. He had mixed results on that California swing.
Sunday’s matchup against King could explain the rest. King has been one of San Diego’s steadiest starters, and New York may be looking for different looks from the right side.
Ben Rice is listed as the designated hitter. Spencer Jones is in center after a strong night Saturday against his hometown club.
Luis García is at first base in this version of the lineup. Jasson Domínguez is in right. Austin Wells is behind the plate.
If the game stays close, Caballero could still appear as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. That has been a common role for him when he does not start.
The Yankees want to take the series before heading home. A win Sunday would give them two of three on the West Coast trip’s latest stop.
Caballero will wait for the next chance. One quiet night at the plate was enough for the club to try a different combination in the finale.
