The New York Yankees have made significant adjustments to their roster as they prepare for the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Toronto Blue Jays. Luis Gil has been added to the playoff roster, while Mark Leiter Jr. has been removed.
Roster Changes Ahead of ALDS
Luis Gil is set to start in Game 1 of the ALDS. The young pitcher comes in to bolster the Yankees’ rotation as they aim for playoff success. Gil replaces Mark Leiter Jr., who had been included in the wild-card series roster but has now been left off the postseason roster entirely.
Mark Leiter Jr.’s Recent Performance
Leiter has faced challenges this season, finishing with a 4.84 ERA. His struggle against the Blue Jays was particularly notable, where he recorded a 9.64 ERA in six appearances during the regular season. In those games, he allowed five earned runs over just 4.2 innings.
This isn’t the first time Leiter has faced roster changes in the postseason. Last October, he was excluded from both the ALDS and ALCS rosters before being included again as an injury replacement.
Pitching Rotation Updates
- Luis Gil: Starting Game 1
- Mark Leiter Jr.: Removed from ALDS roster
- Will Warren: Retained on the roster
- Paul Blackburn: Also kept in the rotation
Warren has been a valuable asset, contributing effectively during the wild-card series. Meanwhile, Blackburn has shown promise too, with a significant improvement in his performance, closing the season with a 1.50 ERA over his last 12 outings.
Strategic Roster Decisions
The Yankees are also prioritizing flexibility by maintaining a 14-player position group. They have opted to carry three catchers: J.C. Escarra, Austin Wells, and Ben Rice. This strategy allows manager Aaron Boone to make aggressive plays, utilizing pinch-hitting or pinch-running opportunities more effectively.
As the Yankees head into the ALDS, they are banking on Luis Gil’s potential to deliver in a critical opening game against the Blue Jays, setting the tone for the series ahead.
