The Yankees’ roster math is still moving, and Trent Grisham remains right in the middle of it.
Grisham, out since June 13 with a right hamstring strain, took another step Thursday when he hit on the field and said he expected to be ready to come off the injured list by Friday. That plan is still alive, even after the Yankees made two pitching additions ahead of their Friday doubleheader against the Orioles.
Brendan Beck and Yerry de los Santos were recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with Beck set to start Game 1. He’s likely to be optioned back between games, which could clear the way for Grisham to return.
If that happens, Grisham would probably start Game 2 and could also be in the lineup Sunday for the regular-season finale, assuming the incoming nor’easter doesn’t wipe it out. From there, he’d likely be part of the Yankees’ 26-man Wild Card Series roster and would probably split time with rookie outfielder Spencer Jones.
The Yankees also took care of the roster space on Thursday night after beating the Rays 6-4, optioning relievers Luis Gil and Bradley Hanner.
There was more rehab work before Friday’s doubleheader, too. Giancarlo Stanton and Grisham took live batting practice against two left-handers, Ryan Weathers and High-A prospect Pico Kohn. Weathers’ live session was moved up from next week to Friday so he could remain an option for the Wild Card Series roster.
The Yankees are set to open the playoffs Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Their opponent is still expected to be the Red Sox in a best-of-three series, unless Boston finishes tied with the teams battling for the AL Central crown, the Guardians and White Sox.
If that tie happens, the White Sox would take the division and the Guardians would claim the second wild card over the Red Sox on the second tiebreaker, which is best division record.
If Boston ends up with the third wild card instead, it would face the AL West champion. Entering Friday, Houston was in control there, with the Astros and Rangers both at 79-80, but the Astros holding the tiebreaker.
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