The Yankees' ALDS roster is starting to take shape, with some familiar faces and some new additions. Aaron Judge was left off the roster, but the team is optimistic about his chances of returning for the ALCS. The story was first reported by sports.yahoo.com.
The Yankees deemed that Aaron Judge was not yet ready to return, just two and a half weeks after sustaining the calf injury. The team withstood Judge’s absence in the wild-card series without a problem, crushing the Red Sox in a two-game sweep.
The Starting Rotation
Gerrit Cole will get the start for Game 1, while Cam Schlittler is reportedly expected to start in Game 2. Max Fried will likely be an option to start Game 3 in time for the Yankees' return to the Bronx.
Carlos Rodón could get the start for either Game 3 or Game 4, if needed. We'll almost definitely see him in a relief role if he doesn't end up in a starting role.
It's worth noting that the Yankees have been careful with their pitching staff, particularly with the calf injury to Gerrit Cole's counterpart, Max Scherzer. The team has been cautious in their approach to ensure that their pitchers are fully healthy and ready to perform.
The starting rotation has been a key factor in the Yankees' success this season, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the ALDS. With Gerrit Cole and Cam Schlittler leading the way, the team is optimistic about their chances of advancing to the ALCS.
The Bullpen
Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, and Will Warren will certainly be on the staff. It'd be interesting to see Weathers in the mix if he becomes available.
Ryan Yarbrough also made the Wild Card Series roster but didn't make an appearance against Boston. This could be a sign that the team is looking to give him more opportunities in the ALDS.
The bullpen has been a strength for the Yankees this season, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the ALDS. With Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn leading the way, the team is optimistic about their chances of advancing to the ALCS.
The Lineup
George Lombard Jr. went a combined 4-for-8 in the series with three runs. He also proved himself reliable on defense, which is a promising sign for his future at the position.
Spencer Jones has earned his spot in the lineup. Grisham, on the other hand, made his return to the order on Wednesday after being sidelined for most of September with a hamstring injury.
The lineup has been a key factor in the Yankees' success this season, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the ALDS. With George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones leading the way, the team is optimistic about their chances of advancing to the ALCS.
The Bench
Giancarlo Stanton will likely make it on as a pinch-hitter, especially since he made the roster for the Wild Card Series. Ben Rice is the designated hitter.
Either Paul Goldschmidt or Luis García Jr. is at first base. Austin Wells is behind the plate.
The bench has been a key factor in the Yankees' success this season, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the ALDS. With Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice leading the way, the team is optimistic about their chances of advancing to the ALCS.
Celeste Gallagher’s View
I'm not buying the 'not yet ready' narrative on Aaron Judge. The fact that he's been taking BP and facing live pitching for days, but hasn't run the bases yet, suggests to me that the Yankees are trying to create a narrative around his injury. If he was truly not ready, wouldn't they have left him off the roster from the start? The fact that they're carrying 11 pitchers and 15 position players, and making roster moves like adding Weathers and subtracting Rosario, suggests that they're trying to cover their bases (no pun intended) in case Judge does return. I think the real reason he's not on the roster is that the Yankees are trying to avoid the turf at Tropicana Field, and don't want to risk exacerbating his injury.
Opinion — Celeste Gallagher. Reporting above is separate from this view.
Room for disagreement
The New York Times frames the story differently by focusing on the addition of Ryan Weathers to the bullpen, rather than the exclusion of Aaron Judge from the roster. Read New York Post’s take →
Background
The New York Yankees' decision to leave Aaron Judge off their ALDS roster has exposed some weak spots in the team's lineup. Aaron Judge, the team's star player, has been recovering from a calf injury sustained two and a half weeks ago. He has been taking batting practice and facing live pitching, but has yet to run the bases.
The Yankees' roster for the ALDS includes 11 pitchers and 15 position players, with lefty Ryan Weathers added to the bullpen and utilityman Amed Rosario left off. The team's decision to carry Judge's injury into the series may prove to be a more difficult task against the Rays, but could give him a chance to return for the ALCS.
- Aaron Judge took batting practice at Tropicana Field on Friday and faced live pitching on at least three of the last five days. (New York Post)
- The Yankees withstood Judge’s absence in the wild-card series without a problem, crushing the Red Sox in a two-game sweep. (The New York Times)
- Gerrit Cole will get the start for Game 1. (The New York Times)
What's next
The next development will be the Yankees' performance in the ALDS, particularly with Aaron Judge's potential return.
Questions readers ask
Why was Aaron Judge left off the Yankees' ALDS roster?
The Yankees deemed that Aaron Judge was not yet ready to return, just two and a half weeks after sustaining the calf injury.
Who will start for the Yankees in Game 1?
Gerrit Cole will get the start for Game 1.
Who was added to the Yankees' ALDS roster?
Lefty Ryan Weathers was added to the bullpen, offering a strong boost with the ability to pitch a high-leverage inning.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: An early look at the Yankees’ ALDS roster: Who makes the cut?
- New York Post: Yankees make their Aaron Judge ALDS roster decision
- The New York Times: Aaron Judge not on Yankees' ALDS roster vs. Rays, but Ryan Weathers added to pen
