The New York Yankees are shaking up their starting lineup as they face elimination Sunday night against the Cleveland Guardians.
Rookie Oswaldo Cabrera is replacing Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop, while Aaron Hicks will take over for Cabrera in left field.
The moves come after defensive miscues from Kiner-Falefa cost the Yankees in their 6-5 loss Saturday to the Guardians.
“Me, personally, I’m just disappointed in myself,” Kiner-Falefa said after the game. “I feel like I had an opportunity to come up with some key plays tonight and help the team win. I wasn’t able to come up with them. I feel like those are big runs that cost us the game tonight. So, just got to wear this one.”
Cabrera, an infielder by trade, was playing out of position in left field and failed to keep a ball in front of him in the ninth inning that turned a single into a double. He will slot back into his more natural position Sunday.
Hicks, meanwhile, will see his first action of the series.
The Guardians lead the Yankees 2-1 in the series; a win Sunday will send them into the American League Championship Series to face the Houston Astros.