New York Yankees make major change to starting lineup

Looking to avoid getting swept, the New York Yankees made a major change to the starting lineup.

After struggling to provide the proper production from the leadoff spot, second-year shortstop Anthony Volpe was moved down in the starting lineup for Thursday's afternoon game.

Taking his spot atop the lineup is rookie Ben Rice, who has shown a lot of promise since being called up from Triple-A in June.

Here's a look at the starting lineup for the Yankees on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds:

1. Ben Rice, 1B
2. Juan Soto, RF
3. Aaron Judge, DH
4. Alex Verdugo, LF
5. Gleyber Torres, 2B
6. Anthony Volpe, SS
7. Austin Wells, C
8. Oswaldo Cabrera, 3B
9. Trent Grisham, CF

Volpe was promoted to the leadoff spot April 10, but it hasn't gone the way the Yankees had hoped. He has a .650 OPS to go along with a 5.9% walk rate and a .293 OBP. Those numbers aren't going to cut it hitting in front of Soto and Judge.

Rice has been a promising hitter in a small sample. The rookie first baseman has a .270 average and .378 OBP. His 15.6% walk rate should provide more production from the leadoff spot as well.

Marcus Stroman will be on the bump to give the Yankees a chance to avoid being swept. They've lost five of their last six series, proving this rough patch since the middle of June continues to linger.