Yankees release Opening Day lineup

It's here. The Yankees on Wednesday released their Opening Day lineup and it includes a few surprises from first-year skipper Aaron Boone.

https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/979025757065371648

For those keeping score at home and have to re-watch the GIF a dozen times because it flashes too quickly, here's the full lineup:

Gardner LF Judge RF Stanton DH Sanchez C Hicks CF Gregorius SS Drury 3B Walker 2B Austin 1B

Severino SP

Boone went with the switch-hitting Neil Walker at 2B over lefty Tyler Wade against southpaw, J.A. Happ. Boone's decision to go with Tyler Austin isn't a huge surprise because of his potential to add another power bat to this already stacked lineup. If Austin struggles out of the gate don't be surprised if Miguel Andujar, who is currently learning first base in the minors, gets a shot to stick-and-stay in the Bronx.

Another item of note here is Aaron Hicks batting in the fifth spot in the order over Didi Gregorius, a move that perhaps signals Boone wants to keep home run potential spread out through the entire lineup. If Hicks slumps early this move could be easily reversed with Didi back in the five-hole and Hicks being dropped further down in the order.

Boone has several toys to play with both off the bench and in the minors if this initial squad can't get the job done, but Happ will certainly have his hands full with this bunch. First pitch is slated for 3:37 ET Thursday, March 29th, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.