New York Yankees resumed the AL Championship Series against Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. With a 2-0 lead, the Yanks took Progressive Field for Game 3 only to face an embarrassing 7-5 defeat. Despite the hitters dominating the most half of the game, Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes imploded late.
The Cleveland Guardians are trailing 1-2 in the seven game series with an equal opportunity to make a comeback. However, for the New York Yankees, injury setbacks continue to hit them at the worst possible time as a key reliever left the field on Thursday with a serious lower body injury concern.
Ian Hamilton Undergoing Tests For Calf Strain
In a concerning turn of events for the New York Yankees, reliever Ian Hamilton exited Game 3 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians with left calf tightness. The 29-year-old right-hander had been a valuable asset for the team throughout the season, and his sudden departure raises questions about the team’s bullpen depth as they navigate the high-pressure postseason. Hamilton was called upon by manager Aaron Boone in the sixth inning, with the Yanks trailing 2-1. After issuing a leadoff walk to Lane Thomas, he fielded a ground ball hit by Daniel Schneemann and appeared to tweak his calf while covering first base. Moreover, despite throwing a warm-up pitch after the play, Hamilton’s errant throw prompted Boone to make the quick decision to lift him for Tim Mayza.
That being said, following the game, Ian Hamilton informed reporters that he would undergo imaging before the next game, creating uncertainty about his availability moving forward. Notably, throughout the playoffs, Hamilton has been included on each of the Yankees’ rosters, although he hasn’t played a major role. His lone appearance in the AL Division Series saw him work 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out three batters. Game 3 of the ALCS marked his first action in this series, adding to the frustration of his early exit. Meanwhile, should Ian Hamilton need to be replaced on the postseason roster, his season would effectively be over, as players removed midway through a playoff round become ineligible for subsequent series. Moreover, reports indicate that the Bronx Bombers might consider calling up either Mark Leiter Jr. or Clayton Beeter to fill the void.
Yankees Bench Two Key Bats For ALCS Game 3
In a surprising turn of events, the New York Yankees made significant adjustments to their lineup for Game 3 of their series against the Cleveland Guardians. Veteran players Anthony Rizzo and rookie catcher Austin Wells sat out, with Jose Trevino stepping in as catcher and Jon Berti taking over at first base.
Anthony Rizzo, who is playing through a finger injury, was given a night off given his complaints of significant pain. On the other hand, Austin Wells’ form hasn’t been the best, and hence, he had to make way for Jose Trevino. Having said that, it remains to be seen if Rizzo and Wells will find a place for Game 4 of ALCS where stakes will be higher.
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