KANSAS CITY, Mo. If Aaron Boone lets the numbers make the decision, the Yankees . Its hard to believe that Boones eyes and gut wouldnt lead him to the same conclusion. But Boone held off on naming a starting first baseman during the travel day before the ALDS shifts to Kauffman Stadium for Tony Kemp Jersey Game 3 on Wednesday. Jon Berti, who had a solid Game 2 defensively and at the plate, makes a diving stop on an errant throw during the Yankees lo s to the Royals. Jason Szenes / New York Post The Yankees and Royals split two games in The Bronx. Well see, Boone said. Its kind of one Im still deliberating on. Explore More In a strangely timed first career start at first base with Anthony Rizzo (two fractured fingers) sidelined, Berti looked smooth defensively as he handled a cutoff throw from right field and started an inning-ending rundown. He also made a diving catch on a line drive on the edge of the infield gra s to turn an una sisted double play. A lot of nuance to it, Berti said. Theres a lot more to [first base] than people probably think. Add to those plays that Berti is 3-for-5 with a double and a walk in his career off of Game 3 starter Seth Lugo and it would seem that Berti has the upper hand on alternatives Oswaldo Cabrera, who started Game 1, and Ben Rice. Only Juan Soto (4-for-16) has more hits off of Lugo, a former Met, among the Yankees. Berti only had 66 at-bats during an injury-marred regular season, but he worked 17 pitches acro s four at-bats in Game 2. His two-out single in the ninth brought Gleyber Torres to the plate with a chance to tie the score. He looks really comfortable, Torres said. Jon is an awesome athlete. Everybody believes in what he can do for the team, and he showed [Monday] night. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Torres knows firsthand how difficult it can be to switch positions. He tried moving from second base to shortstop but two error-filled seasons in 2020 and 2021 ended that experiment. When the Yankees traded for Jazz Chisholm Jr. earlier this season, Torres balked at playing third base. So, he is the perfect teammate to appreciate what Berti a utility infielder and outfielder is being asked to do under the magnified pre sure. As an infielder, its not that easy to switch positions, especially in the postseason, Torres said. He did a really good job. I feel proud for him. We know he always can do the job. So, why hadnt Boone made up his mind by the time the Yankees finished their workout at Yankee Stadium before flying? Because he wanted to let it marinate. Well talk to a few coaches and let who I want to weigh in on that, weigh in, Boone said. Trying to make the best decision. Its not always just nece sarily who starts the game, but how it sets you up on the bench. It was really good to see Jon handle first base so well in his first go-around at that, and really give quality at-bats. Ryan O'hearn Jersey