New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays: April 2nd-April 5th Series Preview

Sep 20, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) is congratulated by center fielder Mason Williams (66) and designated hitter Billy Butler (36) after he hit a 3-run home run during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays: April 2nd-April 5th Series Preview

Mar 30, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) works out prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

New-Look Lineup

With new players in the lineup, manager Joe Girardi was going to have to make some changes. Add in the injury to Didi Gregorius, and things were bound to change.

The Yankees revealed what their Opening Day lineup would be in their last Spring Training game against the Atlanta Braves. Sanchez being in the two-hole was rumored earlier in the week, and Brett Gardner leading off shouldn’t be surprising either. Bird will be third, with Holliday batting cleanup.

After that is where some changes come. Jacoby Ellsbury will bat fifth, the first time in his career that he will start a game in that spot in the order. Starlin Castro will be sixth, with Chase Headley, Judge, and Ronald Torreyes rounding out the lineup.

Ellsbury will be one player to watch. He needs to be a run producer batting fifth; something he has failed to do thus far with the Yankees. Girardi likes to alternate left-handed and right-handed batters, so Ellsbury should have some leash. But, if he is not producing, Girardi has some options on the bench.

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