Yankees make big change to batting order for Game 4 of World Series

Oct 7, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) looks on during pre game batting practice before game three of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Now facing elimination in the World Series, the New York Yankees are playing all of their cards.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Yankees announced their starting lineup for Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers later that night. The Yankees’ batting order features one major change — Giancarlo Stanton and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are switching places. Stanton is moving down to the No. 5 spot and Chisholm is moving up to the No. 4 cleanup spot.

Game 4 on deck. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/Eil17AnMze

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 29, 2024

At first glance, that might seem like a very strange decision by the Yankees given that Stanton (4-for-13 with a home run and three RBIs) has been the best hitter in a flatlining offense this World Series. But with the Dodgers planning to go with a bullpen game on Tuesday, it seems that the Yankees are trying to stagger their lefty and righty hitters in the lineup in order to make the matchups more difficult for the Dodgers to plan for.

The Yankees already made some notable lineup changes for Game 3 on Monday, but those didn’t really work as their offense once again sputtered and was shut out through 8.2 innings before eventually losing 4-2. But with their backs now officially against the wall, the Yankees are going to try to tinker again.