Giancarlo Stanton’s spot on the Yankees’ postseason roster turned plenty of heads for the Wild Card round, but it never translated into actual game action against the Boston Red Sox. That left the real question hanging as New York moved toward the ALDS: would Stanton, and Aaron Judge, be available against the Tampa Bay Rays?
According to the latest report, the answer is leaning the wrong way for Yankees fans. Randy Miller wrote that “DH-ing isn’t an option because Ben Rice will fill that spot and pinch-hitting like Giancarlo Stanton did for the Red Sox series is probably out, too.
“Stanton made the cut for the Wild Card Series because the Yankees carried only 10 pitchers. They went with 11 for last year’s ALDS matchup with the Blue Jays, and will probably do so again this year. That would likely send Stanton to the taxi squad and possibly delay Judge’s return for at least one more round,” Randy Miller wrote.
That makes Judge the bigger concern, but Stanton’s situation is part of the same uncertainty. Even after being included for the Wild Card Series, there still isn’t a clear sign that he can get on the field and provide the kind of offensive impact he’s known for.
The fact that the Yankees carried him at all suggested some level of confidence in his health. At the very least, it left open the possibility of a pinch-hit appearance. But heading into the ALDS, that optimism appears to be fading.
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Yankees' Travel Nightmare Brought Out One Teammate's Worst Mood
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Aaron Boone said the club handled the situation well, even if the travel plans went sideways in a hurry. The wait gave everyone plenty of time to improvise and pass the hours, and for at least one Yankee, the whole ordeal apparently brought out a particularly sour mood. [Read more 🡒]
Yankees Make A Crucial ALDS Rotation Call Against The Rays
The Yankees are leaning into experience as the ALDS opens against the Rays at Tropicana Field, choosing Gerrit Cole for Game 1 even though the numbers might point in another direction. It is a notable call in a matchup that carries plenty of familiar tension, since these two clubs are meeting in the postseason for just the second time in franchise history.
Coles track record in October, along with New Yorks pitching depth, gives the decision a certain logic even as it invites debate. The schedule adds another wrinkle, with an unusual day off between Games 1 and 2 giving both teams some room to manage arms and adjust plans as the series gets underway. [Read more 🡒]
Yankees Quietly Sent A Message About A Pitcher They Just Called Up
Alexander Cornielles brief stay on the Yankees big league roster has already turned into a quick organizational reset. The right-hander was designated for assignment when Giancarlo Stanton came off the 60-day injured list, and after clearing waivers he was outrighted to the clubs Florida Complex League affiliate, where hell stay in the system rather than head elsewhere.
For Cornielle, it still counts as a notable week. He made his MLB debut last week, worked one inning and picked up his first two major league strikeouts, a small but memorable milestone even if his path immediately circled back to the minors. For the Yankees, the move keeps a fresh arm in the pipeline while preserving roster flexibility as the season continues to shuffle. [Read more 🡒]