Aaron Boone might not be willing to play the risky curveball again like in Game 2. He played a gamble of benching both Jazz Chisholm and Ben Rice in Game 2, but for the series decider, both are back. However, that might not mean that Boone played it safe…

Looks like Aaron Boone is again shaking things up with his lineup against the Red Sox. Normally, Paul Goldschmidt is a lock to start when a lefty’s on the mound. However, this time Boone is going with Ben Rice, a left-handed bat, to face Boston’s rookie starter Connelly Early.

The move might be less about matchups and more about flexibility later in the game. In the pre-game press meet, the skipper talked about why he took such a decision. “Yeah, it was a tough decision. I just think…the way Ben is going right now, the impact he’s have, and the ability to change a game, the presence in the box right now… And understanding, not knowing how they are gonna deploy everything…having that true balance in the lineup, and then, I wanted Wells in the game behind the plate,…it gives you kind of some real weapon with Goldie on the bench to…on a big spot, or…hopefully, for defense late, for winning.”

Boone could be keeping Goldschmidt in his back pocket for a pinch-hitting spot once the Red Sox go to their bullpen, which Alex Cora has been quick to do this postseason. Rice is slotted in the middle of the order, batting fifth between Giancarlo Stanton and Amed Rosario. That sets him up for some big at-bats right out of the gate.

For Boone, it was “a difficult, ultimately, call, but one that I felt like was the right thing to do.”

Well, keeping Goldschmidt for the late-inning pinch-hitting could be beneficial for the Yankees! How? Just check game 2 and you will understand.

Reportedly, in Game 2, pulling Goldschmidt for a pinch-runner in the bottom of the ninth was a pretty logical call from Aaron Boone. Goldschmidt did his job, leading off with a single to right. But with his sprint speed sitting in just the 21st percentile this year, Boone clearly saw an opportunity. Hence, swapping him out in game 3 would give the Yankees a chance to manufacture some late-inning energy. It will be more effective with the Red Sox bullpen about to take over.

Aaron Boone will be on any side of history tonight

With Ben Rice now confirmed as the starter over Paul Goldschmidt at first base, Aaron Boone is clearly betting on being on the right side of history. Now, whether this move ends up remembered as a brilliant turning point or a risky misstep depends entirely on how things play out.

For instance, if Rice comes through, he could be part of the Yankees’ history. But if he struggles, people will point back to the night Boone chose momentum over pedigree on October’s biggest stage. Still, the Yankees skipper is confident. According to MLB insider Bryan Hoch, “Before Game 1, Aaron Boone said Paul Goldschmidt would start against every lefty this postseason. What changed his mind?” “Ben Rice,” Boone responded!

That said, based on how Rice has been playing, especially in the last game, it feels like Boone’s bet has real upside.

Notably, Rice has been one of the breakout stories of 2025. He’s hitting .316 in September with 25 hits, 4 HRs, 14 RBIs, and 14 runs in just 22 games. And he carried that surge into October and even launched a home run in his postseason debut in Game 2, essentially forcing Boone’s hand. So, now it’s all about whether Boone’s gamble delivers when it matters most.