Why Yankees' Cody Bellinger is playing first base vs. Rays

Cody Bellinger is playing first base and batting fourth for the New York Yankees on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. 

It's his first start at first base for the Yankees this year. 

Why is Bellinger at first base, something he used to do much more often for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs? 

For starters, Paul Goldschmidt is going through the worst hitting stretch of his career. Manager Aaron Boone wanted to get him a day to reset. 

Goldschmidt is hitless in his last 34 at-bats, with his last base knock coming against the Boston Red Sox on June 25. 

Secondly, it gives Ben Rice a day off his feet at the corner infield spot. 

Bellinger is dealing with his own struggles at the plate, but he provides versatility on defense and does it well. 

In the bottom of the fourth against the Rays, Bellinger scooped a throw from Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base, securing the final out and saving a run from scoring from third base. 

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Since joining the Yankees, the former NL MVP has made just 11 appearances at first base. 

In 2023 with the Cubs, Bellinger was penciled in for 44 starts at first, making 59 apperances overall. 

Perhaps this is an infield alignment Boone should consider utilizing more often if Goldschmidt's struggles continue. 

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