With hours leading up to Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Kansas City Royals, the New York Yankees released its playoff roster. First baseman Anthony Rizzo, recovering from fractured fingers, was understandably snubbed from the final roster list.
Additionally, injured starting pitcher Nestor Cortes also couldn’t find a place in the starting rotation. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil were finalized to fill the pitching depth. However, a $37 million starter was left off due to overflowing depth, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone deemed his exclusion a ‘hard decision.’
Marcus Stroman Left Off Yankees ALDS Plans
Marcus Stroman found himself left off the Yankees’ ALDS roster as the team opted for a more streamlined pitching staff for their series against the Kansas City Royals. Despite a solid regular season where Stroman posted a 4.31 ERA across 30 games (29 starts), Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to carry only 11 pitchers, favoring relievers with more swing-and-miss potential, a crucial attribute in playoff settings. This decision was challenging, with Boone mentioning how the team contemplated going with 12 pitchers until the last moment. But, ultimately, they felt Stroman’s role was not as essential in a series that would likely only require three starters. “A hard decision, obviously, especially going down to the very end still considering 12 pitchers or 11 pitchers,” Boone said in the pre-game presser.
Tim Mayza, a lefty reliever, was selected over Marcus Stroman, alongside Tim Hill, providing balance to the bullpen. Meanwhile, starters like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt are expected to handle the workload on the mound with ample rest due to scheduled off-days between games. Having said that, the New York Yankees believed they didn’t need a long-man like Stroman for this series, especially with few instances of back-to-back games. Stroman had a promising start to the 2024 season but faltered in the latter half, leading to his move to the bullpen in September. He made only one relief appearance before being called upon to make a final start, replacing the injured Nestor Cortes. And as a glimmer of hope, skipper Aaron Boone hinted that Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million contract last off-season, could return for the ALCS if the Yanks advance.
Anthony Rizzo Transforms Into Mentor For Oswaldo Cabrera
Heading into Game 1 of the ALDS, Anthony Rizzo’s injury replacement and Yankees utility player Oswaldo Cabrera had limited experience at first base. However, Cabrera has benefited from the mentorship of veteran Anthony Rizzo. “We are like the students, and he’s like our Mr. Miyagi,” Cabrera said, referring to Rizzo’s coaching influence on him and other first-base prospects.
Despite being sidelined from the ALDS due to fractured fingers, Anthony Rizzo has embraced a role as a defensive mentor, offering guidance on positioning and in-game decision-making. This advice, combined with extra work with coach Travis Chapman, has already paid dividends, as Cabrera made two excellent plays in Game 1, saving short-hopped and wide throws.
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