Yankees Struggle with Defensive Miscues in ALCS Game 3 Against Cleveland

In Cleveland, the New York Yankees faced challenges in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Cleveland Guardians, primarily due to defensive misplays at first base. The Yankees entered the postseason with concerns over Anthony Rizzo‘s fractured fingers on his right hand and the reliance on less experienced players to fill his position.

Despite these concerns, the Yankees managed to perform well in the first six games of the postseason. However, these issues surfaced prominently during Thursday’s Game 3, where mistakes at first base impacted their performance.

With Cleveland’s left-handed pitcher Matt Boyd starting, Yankees manager Aaron Boone positioned Jon Berti at first base, opting for a right-handed hitter due to the matchup. Although Berti managed to avoid errors initially, he mishandled several plays, including a crucial one in the third inning that contributed to a Cleveland score.

Rizzo was introduced in the bottom of the eighth inning for defensive purposes but also faced difficulties. He struggled with a Will Brennan double that managed to pass him, reaching right field, and later committed an error on a Jose Ramirez ground ball at the beginning of the ninth inning.

Fortunately for the Yankees, neither of these situations culminated in Cleveland players scoring. A baserunner was left stranded in the eighth, while Ramirez was neutralized following a double play by Josh Naylor.

Speaking after the game, Rizzo commented that his hand was feeling “pretty good,” signaling progress in recovery from his injury. Rizzo had fractured his fingers less than three weeks prior, when hit by a pitch just before the end of the regular season. Boone highlighted the need to be cautious, stating, “As good as it’s gone, I want to keep that going too if we can.”

In the catching position, Boone opted to start Jose Trevino over Austin Wells, aiming to leverage Trevino’s right-handed batting against Boyd. Trevino succeeded in recording a run-scoring single during the second inning but was later picked off first base and unable to prevent Cleveland from stealing two bases.

Wells made a late appearance in the game, substituting for Trevino in the eighth inning but failed to make an impact, striking out twice. The rookie catcher remains hitless in his last 20 postseason at-bats.

Looking forward to Friday’s Game 4, it is anticipated that both Rizzo and Wells will return to the starting lineup, with Cleveland scheduled to start right-hander Gavin Williams. Rizzo’s availability will be crucial; should he be unable to play, the Yankees may utilize switch-hitter Oswaldo Cabrera at first base.