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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees looks on during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on July 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees’ Major League Baseball schedule is moving forward quickly as their trip to Pennsylvania continues with a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies that is one of the top matchups on MLB’s slate this weekend.
Ahead of the Phillies’ series opener, as always, New York revealed its lineup before the game. When Jesus Luzardo took the ball in the first game of the series, it led to an intriguing lineup decision with Paul Goldschmidt.
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Paul Goldschmidt takes the lead on Friday

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees flies out to right field during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on July 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
In a rare move by manager Aaron Boone, Paul Goldschmidt takes the lead into Friday’s game against the Phillies.
Trent Grisham, who is batting 7th for the Yankees on Friday, has led off in his last 6+ games.
Here’s the full Yankees batting order, courtesy of @UnderdogMLB:
Yankees 7/24: “P. Goldschmidt 1B B. Rice D.H. A. Rosario 3B K. Bellinger L.F. J. Dominguez RF A. Volpe SS T. Grisham CF J. Caballero 2B A. Sanchez K. K. Schlittler SP»
Yankees 7/24
P. Goldschmidt 1B B. Rice D.H. A. Rosario 3B K. Bellinger L.F. J. Dominguez R.F. A. Volpe SS T. Grisham CF J. Caballero 2B A. Sanchez C
K. Schlittler JV
Cam on a pothole in the bank.
#RepBX
A few other highlights from the lineup: Anthony Volpe is sixth in the lineup and Jose Caballero is playing second base.
Ali Sanchez gets a rare start and will form a battery with Cam Schlittler.
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Paul Goldschmidt’s 2026 season is over

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees reacts after being called out for a strike and challenged during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hanger/Getty Images)
It’s been an up-and-down season for Paul Goldschmidt this year, but with Aaron Judge gone, the Yankees can’t just expect Goldie to return to MVP form.
All things considered, Paul Goldschmidt is still one of the Yankees’ best hitters, and the fact that he plays almost every day is a huge plus.
He batted .255 in 255 at-bats this season with 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and an OPS+ of 113.
The Yankees currently sit just 2.0 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East. This should be a very interesting end to the 2026 regular season.
TJ French covers MLB for Heavy. TJ is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She has more than 2 years of writing experience. Follow TJ French on X: @tj_french5 More about TJ French