New York Yankees Announce Surprising José Caballero Change Amid Diamondbacks Series

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 02: José Caballero #72 of the New York Yankees catches a pop out in the second inning of the game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 02, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images)

The New York Yankees are in the middle of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix.

New York won the first game of the series 9-2 on Friday. Game 2 is slated to begin at 8:10 p.m. EDT on Saturday.

Before Saturday’s game, the Yankees announced a surprising lineup decision involving José Caballero.

New York Yankees Announce Interesting José Caballero Decision

Surprisingly, José Caballero will start in center field for the Yankees on Saturday. Caballero has played 11 innings in center this season and recorded 15 innings at the position last year.

Meanwhile, Spencer Jones, the Yankees’ primary center fielder, is out of the lineup with a sore left foot.

The New York Post’s Greg Joyce wrote on X: Spencer Jones said he’s dealing with a sore left foot, which he chalked up to the wear-and-tear from playing on turf. But downplayed it, said he’s fine, just getting a day. “It’s no big deal,” Jones said.

Greg Joyce

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Spencer Jones said he’s dealing with a sore left foot, which he chalked up to the wear-and-tear from playing on turf. But downplayed it, said he’s fine, just getting a day.

“It’s no big deal,” Jones said.

5:26 pm · 19 Sep 2026

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Here is the Yankees’ full lineup for Saturday:

1. Ben Rice DH
2. Cody Bellinger LF
3. Luis Garcia Jr. 1B
4. Heliot Ramos RF
5. George Lombard Jr. SS
6. Austin Wells C
7. Anthony Volpe 2B
8. Ryan McMahon 3B
9. José Caballero CF

Starting Pitcher: RHP Cam Schlittler

Here is the Diamondbacks’ lineup:

1. Laars Nootbar LF
2. Ketel Marte 2B
3. Gabriel Moreon C
4. Geraldo Perdomo SS
5. Corbin Carroll RF
6. Nolan Arenado 3B
7. Tim Tawa 1B
8. Jesus Sanchez DH
9. Jordan Lawlar CF

Starting Pitcher: Brandon Pfaadt

New York Yankees Right Now

In the division standings, New York is four games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East.

Next, the Yankees are slated to play the Diamondbacks at 8:10 p.m. EDT on Saturday. The series will wrap up on Sunday afternoon.

The Yankees will finish the season by hosting the Tampa Bay Rays for four games, and then the Baltimore Orioles for three games.

If the standings hold up, the Yankees will host the Red Sox in the Wild Card round.