BOSTON -- Protecting a two-run lead in the American League Wild Card Game against the Athletics, the Yankees aggressively substituted for Miguel Andujar at third base. Adeiny Hechavarria entered and contributed a dazzling defensive play one inning later, robbing Marcus Semien of a sure double.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he may not use his bench as liberally as his club enters the best-of-five AL Division Series against the Red Sox, but since infield defense has been viewed as one of the club's Achilles' heels, it shouldn't be a surprise to see Boone try and tighten up late.
"That's something that's game-to-game fluid, I would call it," Boone said. "The Wild Card Game is a little bit different in that I think we had 10 pitchers and a deeper bench, so you had a little more flexibility to make some moves earlier in the game."
Andujar's defense remained a question mark even as he nailed down the position, taking over for Opening Day third baseman Brandon Drury, but consistent afternoon sessions with infield coach Carlos Mendoza have helped to smooth some edges.
Andujar made a throwing error in the Wild Card Game, permitting Khris Davis to reach on a bounced throw that first baseman Luke Voit could not handle. Andujar's 15 errors were second on the Yankees' roster to Gleyber Torres' 17.
Voit also made a poor throw in the Wild Card Game that cost the Yankees a chance at a fourth-inning double play, pulling shortstop Didi Gregorius off the second-base bag. Voit was subbed out in the ninth inning, replaced at first base by Neil Walker.
"I actually think Luke has done a pretty good job on that stuff," Boone said. "It's a little unorthodox, his throwing slot and stuff like that. But he does move pretty well over there and I feel like he gets rid of throws pretty well. I think that's part of his game that he's done a pretty good job of."
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With the Yankees now carrying two fewer position players than in the Wild Card Game, Boone indicated that he will pick his spots to sub in gloves more carefully.
"I envision us using our roster," Boone said. "But it will be kind of a game-by-game, inning-by-inning kind of strategy of how we'll deploy our guys. It's a little bit different now that we're in a series and with the way our roster is constructed."
Dellin' donuts
Dellin Betances' two scoreless innings against the A's came at a crucial point of the game, with the right-hander taking over for Luis Severino with two men on in the fifth inning. Betances had been alerted that Boone planned to use him early against the middle of the Oakland order, but no such instructions have been given against the Red Sox.
"I wouldn't likely see him in that role tonight," Boone said. "Going in, I don't necessarily envision that for him. But then again, these games have a way of dictating some unexpected things. But going in, I don't think you'll see him earlier or in the middle innings. And coming off a two-inning outing with one day [of rest], I don't really view him as a multiple-inning guy tonight. Probably more of a conventional, back-end, one-inning role."
Squad goals
The Yankees have right-hander Luis Cessa, catcher Kyle Higashioka and infielder Tyler Wade working out at their Player Development Complex in Tampa, Fla., in the event they are needed as injury replacements. Boone said that right-hander Sonny Gray is elsewhere, but also continuing to throw.
This date in Yankees history
Oct. 5, 1953: With a 4-3 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Yankees secure their fifth consecutive World Series title, winning the series in six games. Billy Martin provides the deciding hit, scoring Hank Bauer with a one-out single.