Breaking Down the Yankees' Wild Card Game Roster
The Yankees' 26-man roster for Tuesday night's Wild Card Game against the Boston Red Sox is set.
Here's a look at who made the cut at each position (listed in alphabetical order) before we break it all down.
Pitchers (12): Aroldis Chapman, Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Domingo Germán, Chad Green, Clay Holmes, Michael King, Jonathan Loáisiga, Lucas Luetge, Wandy Peralta, Joely Rodríguez, Luis Severino
Catchers (3): Rob Brantly, Kyle Higashioka, Gary Sánchez
Infielders (5): Rougned Odor, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Gio Urshela, Andrew Velazquez
INF/OF (1): Tyler Wade
Outfielders (5): Greg Allen, Joey Gallo, Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton
Off the bat, the two biggest surprises are outfielder Greg Allen and catcher Rob Brantly. Both of those two reserves were added to the big-league roster on Tuesday afternoon, a corresponding move after New York designated pitchers Andrew Heaney and Brody Koerner for assignment.
Allen provided a spark for the Yankees earlier this season, and they'll need him to be locked in as a pinch-runner late in this game. He also plays solid defense in the outfield, making him an option in case the Bombers are hit with an injury.
Brantly is a security blanket for manager Aaron Boone as well. This way, if he elects to pinch-hit Gary Sánchez for Kyle Higashioka in a big spot, he still has one more backstop sitting on the bench in case of emergency.
The only other question with this roster, when considering the position players, is how Boone wil lmanage the left side of the infield. With DJ LeMahieu out, will Rougned Odor get another start at third base? Or are we going to see Gio Urshela return to his primary position, opening the door for Tyler Wade or Andrew Velazquez to start at shortstop.
Allen's presence on the bench could tip the scales to Wade—who typically serves as Boone's first choice as a pinch-runner—but if Urshela is healthy enough to play shortstop, Odor seems like the likeliest option. After all, Odor got the start on Sunday at third base in Game 162, possibly a sneak peek into Boone's game plan for this one-game playoff.
As for New York's pitching staff, the Bombers have ample options in the bullpen in case Gerrit Cole needs to come out of this game early. Obviously, New York will ride their ace into the late innings if he's pitching well, but Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino, Michael King and Domingo Germán can each provide length coming out of the 'pen with their starting experience.
From there, if everything goes according to plan for Boone, expect Jonathan Loáisiga, Chad Green and Aroldis Chapman to pitch the final three frames. That's been a recipe for success recently if New York can maintain a lead. Don't be surprised, however, if Loáisiga or Green are summoned earlier to extinguish a rally (Boone should manage this game with urgency), elevating either Wandy Peralta or Clay Holmes into a setup role.
More to get you ready for the American League Wild Card Game:
- Yankees Catch Break As Red Sox Rule Out Slugger For Wild Card Game
- How the Yankees Will Replace DJ LeMahieu to Begin the Postseason
- What Gives Yankees Edge Over Red Sox For Wild Card Game
- Aaron Judge Caps Off Stellar Regular Season in Fitting Fashion
- 'One of the Best Catches I've Ever Seen': Yankees Sound Off on Gio Urshela's Heroic Grab
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