Yankees make bold Ryan McMahon decision that affects Amed Rosario against Athletics

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Amed Rosario started in Ryan McMahon's place at third base last night, even though the New York Yankees faced a right-handed starter in Aaron Civale of the Athletics. 

Yankees manager Aaron Boone clarified that Civale has reverse splits, and the move ended up paying dividends. Rosario clobbered two home runs, including a go-ahead three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to propel the Yankees to a 5-3 win in the series opener. 

“Not necessarily. There are certain matchups I like him in,” Boone told MLB.com's Bill Ladson about the possibility of Rosario facing more right-handed pitching. “There are a number of lefties coming up, so competition is always a good thing.”

Usually, Rosario only starts or makes pinch-hit appearances against lefties. Today, Boone is trying something new. Rosario is in the lineup again, but so is McMahon.

For the first time in his 10-year career, McMahon will play shortstop. The left-handed hitter will bat ninth, one place down in the order from Rosario. At the plate, McMahon has just two hits in his last 23 at-bats. 

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McMahon is a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, but even shifting over 20 feet to his left is a new dynamic he's never experienced in a Major League game. 

If Rosario continues to show an improved approach against right-handers, this is a lineup Boone may consider using more until Anthony Volpe returns from the injured list. Jose Caballero will start tonight's game on the bench. 

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