Yankees opt for added speed as Marcus Stroman, Mark Leiter Jr. left off ALDS roster
By Greg Joyce,
10 hours ago
The Yankees have their 26-man roster set for the ALDS, opting for 11 pitchers and 15 position players to add some speed off the bench.
Pitchers Marcus Stroman and Mark Leiter Jr. were left off the roster while Tim Mayza made it as a second lefty reliever and outfielder Duke Ellis made it as a pinch-running threat.
The schedule for the five-game series — including days off after Games 1, 2 and 4 — allowed the Yankees to take fewer pitchers than usual.
They only needed three starters (Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt), while the rest of their pitchers will be able to throw frequently.
With Alex Verdugo set to start Game 1 in left field, the Yankees’ bench will be Jasson Dominguez, Trent Grisham, Jose Trevino, Jon Berti, Ellis and Ben Rice or Oswaldo Cabrera (whoever does not start at first base).
Berti and Cabrera represent speed threats, but they are also valuable for their defensive versatility, which could allow Aaron Boone to get more aggressive with using Ellis as a pinch-runner.
Stroman, who was moved to the bullpen midway through September before getting one last start when Nestor Cortes got injured, does not have the swing-and-miss stuff that is valuable as a reliever, especially in the playoffs.
Leiter does, but he was hit hard after being acquired from the Cubs at the deadline, posting a 4.98 ERA and giving up six home runs in 21 appearances with the Yankees.
Jake Cousins made it back from a strained pec in time to make the roster while Anthony Rizzo (fractured fingers) did not.
The veteran first baseman said Friday night he hopes to be able to return in time for the ALCS if the team makes it there.
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