MLB playoffs 2018: Yankees make big changes to their lineup for Game 4

One day after losing 16-1 to the Red Sox, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shook things up for Game 4 of the ALDS.

NEW YORK — Aaron Boone didn’t exactly push the panic button after the most lopsided loss in Yankees postseason history, but he did make a few major changes to his lineup. 

Some were expected. Others — especially at the leadoff spot and in the outfield — show that Boone was looking for a spark in Game 4 after his bats went silent in the 16-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox the night before.

Here are the changes: 

# Aaron Hicks, who sat out Games 2 and 3 after injuring his right hamstring, returned to the lineup and was scheduled to bat leadoff. 

# Andrew McCutchen — with just two hits in 17 at-bats and no walks after tying for the American League lead with 22 in September — went to the bench as the Yankees manager tried to maximize lefty bats against Boston starter Rick Porcello.

# Neil Walker started at third base and batted sixth. Walker has played third base in five straight CC Sabathia starts because he is a better defensive option than Miguel Andujar.  

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# Hicks moved to center field. Brett Gardner, who batted ninth in Game 3 and made several good plays in center, moved to left field — where he had just two starts since Aaron Judge returned from his injury in mid September.

# Didi Gregorius moved up in the lineup, from sixth to third, shifting first baseman Luke Voit back to fifth.

The Yankees, trailing 2-1, need a victory to get the series back to Fenway Park for Game 5 on Thursday night. They overcame a 2-0 deficit last season when they rallied to beat the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS. 

Steve Politi may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @StevePoliti. Find NJ.com on Facebook.