Yankees move Jose Caballero to eighth spot before Angels game
The New York Yankees announced a Jose Caballero change before Monday's Angels game, dropping the shortstop from seventh to eighth in the lineup. Caballero stays at shortstop for a second straight game while Jazz Chisholm Jr. moves up to sixth after batting eighth Sunday. New York opens a three-game road series against the struggling Los Angeles Angels.
The lineup shuffle came as the Yankees traveled west following a dominant 16-1 win over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Manager Aaron Boone's card for game one features several notable moves beyond Caballero's one-spot drop. For more offbeat sports headlines, see our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.
Key Takeaways
- Jose Caballero bats eighth for Monday's Angels game after hitting seventh on Sunday.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. jumps from eighth to sixth — his first time batting sixth since August 18.
- Paul Goldschmidt and Heliot Ramos are out; Amed Rosario hits cleanup at third base.
- Elmer Rodriguez starts on the mound; Austin Wells catches.
- Yankees (78-59) face a struggling Angels squad (52-85) in a three-game set.
Why Did the Yankees Drop Jose Caballero in the Batting Order?
According to Heavy, the Caballero change refers to his drop from seventh to eighth for Monday's contest. George Lombard Jr. remains out, so Caballero continues at shortstop for a second consecutive game.
Boone appears to be prioritizing Caballero's defensive value at shortstop over offensive production in the middle of the order. The infielder has been a versatile and reliable piece for New York this season even without standout offensive numbers.
What Does the Full Yankees Lineup Look Like for Game One?
The Yankees posted their batting order via Underdog MLB before first pitch on August 31. Ben Rice leads off as designated hitter, followed by Cody Bellinger in left and Luis García Jr. at first base.
Amed Rosario bats cleanup at third base. Trent Grisham plays center field, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hits sixth at second base, and Spencer Jones starts in right field. Jose Caballero bats eighth at shortstop, with Austin Wells catching and Elmer Rodriguez on the mound.
Chisholm's promotion follows a productive Sunday in which he finished with two hits, two walks, three runs, and two stolen bases while batting eighth. MLB noted he became the only American League player with 40 stolen bases this season — the second 40-steal year of his career.
How Has Jose Caballero Performed in 2026?
Caballero has posted a .241 batting average with 13 home runs, 47 RBI, 88 hits, and 12 doubles through the 2026 season. His OPS+ sits at 88 and his bWAR is 2.1.
While those offensive numbers are modest, Caballero brings defensive versatility and has played strong shortstop — a priority for Boone and the Yankees coaching staff down the stretch.
Can the Yankees Keep Rolling Against the Angels?
New York enters the series at 78-59, second in the American League East. The club has won six of its last ten games and carries a 41-28 road record.
Los Angeles sits at the bottom of the AL West at 52-85. The Angels have lost eight of their last ten and are 29-42 at Angel Stadium. After sweeping three of four from Boston — including that 16-1 blowout — the Yankees look positioned to capitalize on a struggling opponent in this three-game Angels series.