The Yankees set foot in Game 4 against Toronto, riding the wave of a dramatic comeback in Game 3, but the confidence did not last for long. As soon as the lineup card was posted online, social media was flooded with annoyance, particularly over two bold decisions by Aron Boone. One was regarding Ben Rice. And the other was keeping Anthony Volpe at shortstop regardless of his postseason struggles.

New York Yankees’ X handle updated the news, “@Yankees. Game 4 in the BX.” With this, the Yankees’ Game 4 lineup post was shown. Trent Grisham, CF, Aaron Judge, RF, Cody Bellinger, LF, Giancarlo Stanton, DH, Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B, Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Austin Wells, C, Anthony Volpe, SS, and Ryan McMahon, 3 B.

The focus immediately zeroed in on Anthony Volpe, who has endured a difficult 2025 season. Volpe hit just .212 with 19 homers, 72 RBIs, and a .663 OPS in the regular season. Those struggles have followed him into October, too, where he’s batting .217 with a .608 OPS in the postseason so far. Fans questioned why Boone would stick with him in such a high-stakes game instead of making a defensive or matchup-based adjustment.

Adding to the drama was the decision at first base.

Adding to the drama was the decision at first base. For the first time all series, Ben Rice didn’t get the start, as Boone inserted Paul Goldschmidt into the lineup. Goldschmidt, 37, has battled declining power this season. There are multiple instances where Goldschmidt failed the team. For instance, on July 24, 2025, the star committed 2 miscues in a 12-5 loss to the Phillies that dropped them 5 1/2 games back of the AL East-leading the Jays.

Goldschmidt also admitted that his declining performance has hurt the team after the 7-0 loss of the Yankees to the Athletics on June 28. Following the disheartening defeat, Goldschmidt addressed his recent performance. “It’s hurt our team the way I’ve played this month,” he said, per SNY Yankees Videos. “I feel fine but I’ve not played well for the last few weeks, maybe even this whole month,” Goldschmidt acknowledged.

However, Boone explained his reasoning clearly: “Goldschmidt starts at 1B for Rice, with Boone saying he wanted more balance to not give the Blue Jays clear lanes in their bullpen game,” reported Greg Joyce of the New York Post.

With New York battling to stay alive and push a decisive Game 5 back in Toronto, every lineup choice carries extra pressure. Now, Boone’s gambles have become a point of discussion.

Stay tuned here to know what the fans have said…