Predicting Rays ALDS Game 2 Lineup Against Yankees

1. Chandler Simpson, Left Field
2. Junior Caminero, Third Base
3. Jonathan Aranda, First Base
4. Yandy Diaz, Designated Hitter
5. Liam Hicks, Catcher
6. Victor Mesa Jr., Right Field
7. Jonny DeLuca, Center Field
8. Richie Palacios, Second Base
9. Taylor Walls, Shortstop

Going up against another right-handed pitcher, it is fair to assume manager Kevin Cash will go with the same platoon players to start Game 2. That means left-handed hitters Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca and Richie Palacios get another start.

The bench will certainly come into play at some point during the contest. Ben Williamson and Jorge Mateo will be used to complement the infield, with Cedric Mullins and Ryan Vilade for the outfield.

However, a change in the batting order is being predicted to make life tougher on Yankees manager Aaron Boone. This alignment helps break up the left-handed hitters a little more who aren’t going to be subbed out of the game.

Chandler Simpson at the top of the lineup, with the right-handed-hitting Taylor Walls at No. 9 and Junior Caminero at No. 2, likely means he won’t have to face any tough left-handed relievers. It could help him get back on track.

Tampa Bay still has a string of four left-handed hitters in a row with Liam Hicks, Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca and Richie Palacios, but they all have right-handed hitting complements in platoons who could pinch hit when Boone goes to his bullpen.

Same players, but a little different look from the Rays to ensure the Yankees have to adjust some of their game plans as well. Tampa Bay doesn’t have a playoff performer such as Giancarlo Stanton coming off the bench, but this is a deep and versatile group Cash can lean on.

If he wanted even more versatility off the bench, he could start Cedric Mullins in center field and bring DeLuca, who has played all three outfield spots this season, off the bench later in the game.