New York Yankees fans stunned after Isiah Kiner-Falefa starts in CF for first time this season: "April fools is over guys give us the real lineup"

If you told New York Yankees fans last season that Isiah Kiner-Falefa would be the club's starting center field in 2023, they might have thought you were joking. Kiner-Falefa has been named in the club's starting lineup for the first time this season and will start in the outfield.

The 28-year-old made a name for himself in the majors as a shortstop but is set to play a variety of positions for the Yankees this season. Manager Aaron Boone used Kiner-Falefa as an outfielder during spring training. Boone also hinted that he may be utilized as a backup catcher.

New York Yankees fans took to Twitter to vent their frustrations after seeing Kiner-Falefa named in the starting lineup.

The addition of Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the starting lineup comes as a surprise to many Yankees fans. His offensive numbers were subpar last season and his play on the field was erratic and inconsistent. Boone, however, feels there is still a place for him on the roster.

The emergence of shortstops Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza means Kiner-Falefa finds himself surplus to requirements. Volpe and Peraza are two of the most highly-rated prospects in the MLB. They have both developed faster than expected and both had strong performances in spring training.

Last year, Kiner-Falefa was used exclusively in the infield. He played 138 games as a shortstop and made six appearances as a third baseman.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa will start his first game as an outfielder for the New York Yankees on Sunday

Isiah Kiner-Falefa scores against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium

Last season, Kiner-Falefa was used exclusively in the infield. He played 138 games as a shortstop and made six appearances as a third baseman. Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants will be the first time he starts in the outfield for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees are short of options in the outfield entering the season. Harrison Bader's injury means captain Aaron Judge has started in center field in the first two games. Giancarlo Stanton and Oswaldo Cabrera have also seen time in the outfield. Aaron Hicks is another option for Aaron Boone. Franchy Cordero was recently signed and will add some depth to the position.

New York Yankees fans remain frustrated at the organization's inability to address the team's outfield issues. The Yankees' payroll is one of the largest in the league, yet they are unable to field an experienced centerfielder.

It will be interesting to see how Isiah Kiner-Falefa handles the transition from the infield to the outfield in 2023.