Paul Goldschmidt had done a lot of watching lately. 

The combination of the trade deadline acquisitions of Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos and the Yankees not facing many left-handed pitchers of late led to the veteran first baseman spending a lot of time as a spectator. 

Entering Friday night, he had just 16 plate appearances in August. 

But Goldschmidt made the most of a rare start in the opener of a monster four-game series against the rival Red Sox in The Bronx. Goldschmidt homered in the third inning off southpaw Patrick Sandoval, producing the entire offensive output of the evening for both teams in the tense 1-0 Yankees victory. 

“I’ve had a lot of different roles this year, but that’s what they want me to do, so I’m happy to do it,” the 38-year-old Goldschmidt said. “Thinking back on times like this when I didn’t get many at-bats, what I was doing on the days I wasn’t in there to best prepare, probably did help me. 

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) is greeted by third baseman Amed Rosario (14) after scoring on a solo home run in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Yankee Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“I don’t try to do too much different. Just being ready, there’s not really an answer. I try to do my same routine in the cage and really I don’t overthink it.” 

The homer, a 430-foot drive that was his 17th of the year, marked his first since July 24. It was also his first RBI of the month. It was pretty important.

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) hits a solo home run in the third inning. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The Yankees entered this series leading the Red Sox by only two games for the top AL wild-card spot. Unless one of the teams surpasses the AL East-leading Rays — Tampa Bay leads the Yankees by four games — they are going to face one another in the wild-card round. The Yankees obviously want home-field advantage. 

“He’s just such a humble, good leader, and just prepared,” manager Aaron Boone said of Goldschmidt. “He’s ready for anything. Understands the role, understands there are times this year where I couldn’t get him out of the lineup, because of where we were. Lately, it’s been a challenge with all the righties and Luis coming into the mix. He’s just been ready, a pro and he delivered in a big way tonight.” 

This was the second game this year the Yankees have won 1-0, and in both instances, Cam Schlittler was the starting pitcher and Goldschmidt went deep for the lone run of the game.

It previously happened July 24 against the Phillies. 

“We got the kid and the future Hall of Famer bookending things,” Boone said. “I love it.”