Trent

Grisham

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).

That means eight lefties and George Lombard Jr. once again. Trent Grisham didn’t look great in his first start back from a hamstring injury Wednesday, but he is getting the nod over Heliot Ramos tonight. The lineup: DH Ben Rice, LF Cody Bellinger, 1B Luis García Jr., RF Spencer Jones, 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., CF Trent Grisham, C Austin Wells, 3B Ryan McMahon.

Garcia sat out Game 1 against left-hander Payton Tolle, but will be in the lineup with Sonny Gray on the hill. Jazz Chisholm will also start at second base and bat sixth, and Trent Grisham will play center field and bat seventh. George Lombard Jr. will be the only right-handed hitter in the lineup, but there could be plenty of turnover if the Red Sox go to a left-handed reliever out of the bullpen.

Grisham has been on the injured list with a hamstring strain since September 4th. The outfielder hit just .170/.261/.352 in 45 games since the All-Star break. With the Red Sox also set to use multiple left-handed starters, it remains to be seen if Grisham will be a regular starter for the Yankees in this series.

Grisham and Giancarlo Stanton (calves) both faced off against Ryan Weathers (forearm) before Friday’s contest. Grisham has been out of action since near the start of September, but could be an option for the postseason beginning next week.

Grisham has been sidelined since September 5th with a right hamstring strain. With just 11 days left in the season, Grisham’s progress is likely more about him making it back to the Yankees for the postseason than the regular season. He may be able to return for a few games to end the regular season, but he is not a major stash candidate in fantasy leagues, outside of the deepest formats.

While it’s not official, it’s very likely that this will cost Grisham the remainder of the regular season. The only question that remains now is whether or not he’ll be able to make it back in time for the playoffs.

No word yet on the severity, which will determine how much time Grisham misses. The 29-year-old outfielder suffered the injury during Friday’s game against the Padres. He figures to miss at least a couple weeks, even in a best-case scenario. The biggest concern for the Yankees is whether he’ll be ready in time for the postseason, which kicks off in roughly three weeks. There should be some additional clarity on his status by the conclusion of the weekend.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters afterwards that it could be a potential injured list situation. Grisham will undergo further evaluation and imaging before a decision is made. He’s battled hamstring issues for most of the season. His early exit came a couple frames after he walked and was thrown out attempting to steal second base in the second inning. He was probably going to sit against lefty Robbie Ray on Saturday, so fantasy managers shouldn’t anticipate him back until later this weekend, if he manages to avoid the injured list.

No surprises here with rookie lefty Jake Bennett toeing the rubber for the opening contest of Saturday’s twin bill at Yankee Stadium. It’ll be Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario getting a look at first and second base, respectively, with Heliot Ramos getting into the lineup in right field.