​If there’s any carryover from Thursday’s 12-run outburst, it might trace back to one pivotal at-bat. Ryan McMahon’s 12-pitch sequence against Rays starter Drew Rasmussen sparked a six-run third inning, giving the Yankees some much-needed cushion during a grueling stretch. Despite their recent struggles, manager Aaron Boone stressed that the team has maintained strong energy all week after splitting a crucial four-game set at Tampa Bay. On Thursday afternoon, Boone observed that the players displayed “a really good balance between being dialed in, energized, and having fun, while also playing as if there’s a lot on the line.” The Yankees will aim to carry that momentum into Friday night’s game at Washington, where Ryan Weathers (3-7, 4.29) will face fellow left-hander Carson Palmquist at 6:45 p.m.
Another benefit from Thursday’s 12-4 victory, a bullpen-heavy effort that spared Boone from overworking his top setup man Fernando Cruz or closer David Bednar, is that the relief corps should be fresher for the weekend. In addition, Jose Caballero will continue to be in the lineup, as he starts at shortstop for the fourth time in five games on this road trip, with Anthony Volpe sitting on the bench.
For Friday night, the Yankees’ lineup is set with Jose Caballero at shortstop. The Nationals will counter with James Wood in right field, Andres Chaparro at designated hitter, Nasim Nunez at second base, and Luis García Jr. at first. This matchup kicks off a weekend series that the Yankees hope to treat as a fresh start after a challenging stretch, with Caballero continuing to hold down short while Anthony Volpe awaits another opportunity.
This report originally appeared on NorthJersey.com, under the headline highlighting Jose Caballero’s continued role at shortstop as the Yankees’ Friday lineup at Nationals looks to capitalize on recent momentum.