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Yankees make Jose Caballero announcement.

The New York Yankees will be without starting shortstop Jose Caballero on Thursday.

New York is set to conclude its three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Thursday afternoon, as the Yankees are looking to win the series after a 6-1 loss on Wednesday. In the lopsided loss, Caballero was hit by a pitch on the elbow, but did stay in the game.

However, with such a quick turnaround for Thursday’s game, the Yankees opted to give Caballero a day off. New York’s lineup is as follows:

• P. Goldschmidt 1B
• A. Judge DH
• C. Bellinger RF
• A. Rosario 3B
• J. Chisholm Jr. 2B
• J. Domínguez LF
• T. Grisham CF
• M. Schuemann SS
• J. Escarra C

New York will also be without Ben Rice, who has now missed the entire series after he left Sunday’s game with an injury.

Although Caballero isn’t in the lineup on Thursday, he remained in the game on Wednesday, which is likely a good sign that it isn’t major and could be a scheduled day off. But, if Caballero is injured, it would be a tough blow as he’s been a major surprise this season, and the reason why the Yankees optioned Anthony Volpe to Triple-A.

Caballero is hitting .256 with 4 home runs and 13 RBIs this season with the Yankees. In Caballero’s place, Max Schuemann gets the start at shortstop, who has had just one at-bat for the Yankees this season.

Yankees Fans React to Lineup

New York has a unique lineup with Rice and Caballero both out, and Yankees fans don’t seem pleased.

“Without Rice, Caballero… Yankees will lose this series,” a fan wrote.

“Don’t wanna win the series, huh?,” a fan added.

“lmao sure lets punt this game while we are at it. Paul Blackburn what a pathetic choice. He sucks as a reliever how would he serve better as a starter? Loss incoming,” a fan wrote.

Yankees fans are concerned about Rice’s injury, despite Aaron Boone saying he won’t need an IL stint, but he has now missed four straight games. Caballero not being in the lineup is also a concern for Yankees fans.

“Caballero isn’t playing today & the game is early af. I’ll be at the gym instead lol,” a fan wrote.

“Ben Rice (left hand contusion) remains out. Jose Caballero (HBP last night on left elbow) gets a day too,” reporter Bryan Hoch wrote.

“every time i give side eye to the lineup, they win so im praying that holds true today,” a fan added.

The Yankees are 25-12 and atop the AL East.

Aaron Boone Praises Caballero

Caballero’s play this season has been a bit of a surprise, and Boone has been impressed by him.

Before the Yankees decided to option Volpe, Boone said the play of Caballero is a reason why the decision is so tough.

“Well, one, Caballero’s playing the heck out of the position and playing really well, so that complicates it,” Boone said. “Just deciding, what’s the role that exists right away? Those are things we’ve got to continue to work through.”

Due to Caballero’s stellar play, the Yankees did decide to option Volpe.