With the end of September, 2024 MLB season regular season has concluded and New York Yankees have finished as AL-East division champions with home advantage for the ALDS and ALCS. This success is significant given how in 2023, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs with 82-80 record.
That being said, the New York Yankees will be facing the winner of Baltimore Orioles-Kansas City Royals wild card series in the ALDS starting from October 5. Five days of rest if not common in baseball and hence the players are prone to rustiness. However, manager Aaron Boone has a cure to keep players fresh and ready for the playoffs.
Yankees Keen To Take Advantage Of Rest Ahead Of ALDS
The New York Yankees are preparing for the American League Division Series (ALDS) after earning a first-round bye. But they are also working to avoid losing momentum due to a five-day layoff. This challenge, often referred to as “rest versus rust,” has sparked debate in the MLB. However, the Yanks can draw on their past experience. In the 2022 postseason, they survived a similar break and went on to defeat the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. Meanwhile, manager Aaron Boone is focused on striking the right balance between rest and sharpness, especially given the 162-game stretch grind. Boone emphasized that his team would benefit from the rest. However, they also need to stay mentally focused and physically prepared for their upcoming challenge.
Apparently, the team has planned workouts for Tuesday through Friday, with heavier sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, likely featuring simulated games or live at-bats against Yankee pitchers and minor leaguers. Moreover, to keep the team sharp, the New York Yankees will also utilize advanced tools, like the Trajekt pitching machine, which can replicate the pitches of MLB opponents. And Aaron Boone is confident that these preparations will help the team stay competitive. Interestingly, the Bombers’ rest gives them an advantage, allowing them to line up their pitching rotation perfectly, with Gerrit Cole starting Game 1, likely followed by Carlos Rodon for Game 2, and either Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt for Game 3. Meanwhile, the Yanks’ opponents, the Orioles or Royals, will have to use their top pitchers in the wild-card series, limiting their availability early in the ALDS.
Rookie Ben Rice Promoted To Playoff Roster
New York Yankees rookie Ben Rice has been recalled from Triple-A and promoted to the team’s playoff roster following the unfortunate injury to first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The latter fractured his two fingers last weekend and is ruled out for the ALDS series. While he remains on the active roster, Rice is likely to play first base.
Notably, Ben Rice previously replaced Anthony Rizzo in July when the veteran fractured his arm. He left a profound impact with a three-homer night to script franchise history. Hence, the New York Yankees believe in his ability to perform irrespective of the extra pressure in the playoffs. Jon Berti and Oswaldo Cabrera will also be used as backup options.
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