The New York Yankees lineup tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays features several significant changes as New York attempts to keep its season alive in Game 3 of the 2026 American League Division Series on Wednesday, October 7.
The Yankees enter the game trailing the Rays 2-0 in the best-of-five ALDS, making Game 3 a must-win situation for New York.
Yankees Lineup Tonight vs. Rays
Here is the Yankees’ starting batting order for Game 3:
- Trent Grisham — CF
- Ben Rice — DH
- Cody Bellinger — LF
- Luis García Jr. — 1B
- Spencer Jones — RF
- Austin Wells — C
- George Lombard Jr. — SS
- Anthony Volpe — 2B
- José Caballero — 3B
Yankees Make Lineup Changes for Game 3
New York has reshuffled its batting order with its season on the line.
Anthony Volpe gets the start at second base in place of Jazz Chisholm Jr., while José Caballero starts at third base instead of Ryan McMahon.
The Yankees have also moved Trent Grisham into the leadoff spot, putting him ahead of Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger at the top of the order.
The changes come as New York looks for an offensive spark after falling behind Tampa Bay 2-0 in the series.
Why Isn’t Aaron Judge in the Yankees Lineup?
The biggest absence remains Aaron Judge, who is unavailable for the series because of a calf injury.
Judge was left off the Yankees’ ALDS roster, meaning New York must attempt to advance without one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.
His absence puts additional pressure on Bellinger, Rice, Grisham and the rest of the Yankees lineup to generate offense against Tampa Bay.
Yankees vs. Rays Game 3 Starting Pitchers
The pitching matchup features:
Yankees: Max Fried
Rays: Nick Martinez
Fried will be tasked with keeping Tampa Bay’s offense under control while giving the Yankees an opportunity to extend their postseason.
What Time Is Yankees vs. Rays Tonight?
Game: Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Yankee Stadium
Series: 2026 ALDS Game 3
Yankees Face Elimination Against Rays
The situation is straightforward for New York: win and force Game 4, or lose and see the 2026 season come to an end.
Tampa Bay holds a commanding 2-0 series advantage and needs only one more victory to advance to the American League Championship Series.
For the Yankees, the revamped lineup will need to deliver immediately. Without Judge available, New York will rely on its new-look batting order and Max Fried on the mound to keep its World Series hopes alive.