Yankees make big-time lineup change

The New York Yankees and Aaron Boone are mixing things up a bit, as Kyle Higashioka is getting the start over Gary Sanchez at catcher on Tuesday. 

You had a feeling it was only a matter of time before New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone had to make the tough yet necessary decision at catcher. While Gary Sanchez can sometimes send the ball to the moon, he’s simply too inconsistent at the dish and sometimes his play defensively is frustrating to watch.

That’s typically not the case with Kyle Higashioka. Boone understands this, which is why on Tuesday, it’s Higashioka who will be manning the catcher spot and Sanchez will be in the dugout watching on.

Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka will get the start over Gary Sanchez on Tuesday

Sanchez simply hasn’t been able to get going at the plate in 2021. While he opened up the year with a homer in Game 1, he’s batting .182 on the season. Time and time again he’s failed to record a big hit for the Yankees in a clutch situation. All you have to do is look up his name on Twitter to see how angry New York fans have been with his play.

Higashioka has fared much better than Sanchez at the plate, as he’s hitting .286 with three homers and five RBI. Boone has seen what Higashioka can do both offensively and defensively, which is why he’s ready to give him some more playing time. While Boone said this will be a day-to-day thing, Higashioka could lock up the starting job if he keeps playing well.

This would obviously be disappointing for Sanchez, but he simply has to be able to play better moving forward. If not, Yankees supporters won’t miss seeing him out there, especially with Higashioka playing well.