ALDS Game 2 Preview & lineup breakdown: Schlittler vs. Peralta

Cam Schlittler will look to continue his hot streak in the postseason as he prepares to take the mound for Game 2, with a Yankees lineup that will battle Freddy Peralta to even up the Division Series.

After a disappointing Game 1 performance in the Trop, the Yankees offense will attempt to even the score before heading back to the Bronx for the third meeting in this best-of-five series. Schlittler, who had a dominant performance in the first meeting of the Wild Card Series against Boston, is poised to be efficient from the bump and keep the Rays’ offense at bay with a lights out performance.

Let’s get into the Yankees lineup. Boone decided to leave it unchanged from Game 1, with Ben Rice in the leadoff spot as DH, followed by Cody Bellinger at left field and Luis García Jr. in the hole, starting at first.

Spencer Jones, who struck out twice in the ALDS opener, will take the cleanup spot and start at right field over Heliot Ramos.

Here’s the question that lingers in my mind: Has Grisham made enough of an impact to keep starting at center field? Spencer Jones, carrying one of the youngest presences on the Yankees’ postseason roster, has faced competitive at-bats while also playing the field efficiently. Is it the better move to put Jones in center field and play Heliot Ramos at right field? Boone experimented with this in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, and although Ramos struggled offensively, Jones tallied a hit and brought in two runs. Putting Grisham at right field and keeping Jones at center is also an option worth considering. Grisham was effective offensively in the Wild Card Series, getting the start in Game 2 against Boston, but struggled defensively as he was too slow to chase down a shallow fly from Red Sox fielder Nate Eaton.

Keeping the middle of the order unchanged with Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, George Lombard Jr. at shortstop, and Grisham at center will hopefully work out better for the Yankees this time against Peralta.

Although his decision-making ultimately cost the Yankees a shot at evening the score on Saturday night, Austin Wells remains the starting catcher, and Ryan McMahon will make the start at third.

It would also be nice to see Giancarlo Stanton in a pinch hitting position against either Peralta or one of the Rays’ relievers, allowing him to execute one of his world-famous intimidation rituals with a staredown.

Here’s a look at the Rays’ starting lineup, which also remains unchanged from Game 1.

If the Pinstripes can get the win on the road, the path to the ALCS will be much clearer as they return to the Bronx. Hopefully, it will give the Yankees enough momentum to shut down the Rays and make their first return to the Conference Series since 2024.