Ryan

McMahon

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is sticking with the same lineup that was shutout by Rays ace Drew Rasmussen, who carried a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, and closer Bryan Baker in a Game 1 defeat. It’ll be eight left-handed batters getting a look at Freddy Peralta as he makes his Tampa Bay postseason debut in this one. Here’s the full lineup: Ben Rice (DH), Cody Bellinger (LF), Luis García Jr. (1B), Spencer Jones (RF), George Lombard Jr. (SS), Chisholm (2B), Trent Grisham (CF), Austin Wells (C) and Ryan McMahon (3B).

The slam was hit 109.1 mph, though with a high launch angle and the wind blowing it, it made it just 332 feet down the right field line. Fortunately for him, that’s far enough at Yankee Stadium. It’s his fourth career five-RBI game, but his first since 2023. He actually had totaled just 35 RBI in 352 plate appearances this season, and he had hit .143 with four RBI in his previous 21 games.

This is now the third straight game that McMahon has been on the bench. Jose Caballero is starting at third base, as he has in the last two games. McMahon may start in the second game of the doubleheader, but it would be safe to say that he has lost the primary share of the third base job to Caballero.

McMahon is 2-for-11 with no extra-base hits or RBI in five games since coming off the injured list, leaving him .215/.283/.360 overall. Alas, it doesn’t look like the Yankees are planning on trying Anthony Volpe over him at third base; since starting at the hot corner three times in span of four games in Triple-A, he’s reverted to the middle infield the last four games. The Yankees probably don’t see enough upside to make it worth risking a change, but McMahon’s defense isn’t making up for his bat at this point.

McMahon returns to New York’s infield mix after missing just over one week with a thumb sprain. The 31-year-old third baseman can be ignored in most fantasy leagues.

McMahon will be activated off the injured list as one of the Yankees’ two moves for roster expansion. McMahon is hitting .216/.282/.367 in 306 plate appearances this year with 10 homers this season. Jose Caballero has been making regular starts at third base (when George Lombard Jr. was healthy), so it remains to be seen how the Yankees will use McMahon.

The 31-year-old slugger has been shelved since August 20 due to a left thumb sprain. He’s only expected to need a handful of at-bats on a rehab assignment before he’s ready to rejoin the Yankees. Barring any setbacks, expect him to return early next week.

Jose Caballero will likely be part of the hot corner solution for the Yankees in McMahon’s absence. McMahon is hitting .216/.282/.367 in 306 plate appearances this year with 10 homers.

The 31-year-old slugger jammed his thumb while sliding into second base during Wednesday’s victory over the O’s. As of now, there don’t appear to be any plans to place him on the injured list, but it sounds like he may need a couple of days off. Jose Caballero will start in his place at the hot corner on Thursday and will bat ninth against Orioles’ right-hander Kyle Bradish.

McMahon jammed his left thumb on a slide into second base during Wednesday’s win over the Orioles. His absence would likely result in José Caballero seeing more time at the hot corner. There should be an update on his status leading into Thursday’s series finale.