The New York Yankees are making a significant lineup adjustment as they navigate a crucial early-season stretch. Struggling third baseman Ryan McMahon is expected to be on the bench for most, if not all, of the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals.

Manager Aaron Boone has tabbed the hot-hitting Amed Rosario to start at the hot corner, a move underscored by the fact it comes against Royals right-hander Michael Wacha. While Wacha is a neutral pitcher, the decision highlights just how deep McMahon's early-season slump runs and how valuable Rosario's consistent bat has become.

This isn't just a one-game experiment. Boone's strategy is focused on the next six games, where the Yankees will face a string of left-handed starters from both the Royals and the rival Boston Red Sox. With McMahon working to correct his swing mechanics, the team sees this as an opportunity to lean on Rosario's production while giving McMahon the necessary time to reset.

"This is probably a stretch [where he won't start] and he's working on a lot of things behind the scenes that I actually feel like I'm seeing some progress on," Boone stated. "We need him and expect him to be a real factor for us... so with these next several matchups being a little more difficult, probably be a lot of Rosey in there."

Boone did leave the door open for adjustments, noting that left-handed hitters might still start against certain pitchers like Kansas City's Cole Ragans due to reverse splits. However, the primary goal is clear: use this period to get McMahon right for the long haul of the 2026 season, where his defensive prowess and hoped-for offensive rebound will be vital to the Yankees' championship aspirations.