This was the anti-Murderers Row lineup for the Yankees, one that featured Kyle Higashioka behind the plate, Shane Robinson in center field and Neil Walker as a starting right fielder for the first time in his 10-year big league career.
That’s kind of what happens when Aaron Judge is on the DL; Giancarlo Stanton is limited by hamstring issues to designated hitter duty; Gary Sanchez has been out with a groin injury; Clint Frazier is still suffering from post-concussion symptoms; Jacoby Ellsbury is as out for the season following hip surgery as he has been out of sight and mind; Aaron Hicks is deemed in need of a day off after starting 12 straight games; and the price for a supporting bat at the non-waiver trade deadline was apparently too expensive for general manager Brian Cashman’s liking.