The New York Yankees made significant adjustments to their roster ahead of the American League Division Series (ALDS). Luis Gil was officially included in the roster and will start Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays, while Mark Leiter Jr. was left out after being on the roster during the wild-card series.
Leiter Jr, from more to less
This situation is not new for Leiter, who was already left off the ALDS and ALCS rosters last postseason, before being added as an injury replacement for Ian Hamilton. On this occasion, the Yankees decided to keep Will Warren and Paul Blackburn, thus completing a 12-man pitching staff.
Leiter had an inconsistent campaign, with an ERA of 4.84 and no participation in the wild-card round. In addition, his numbers against the Blue Jays were unfavorable: 9.64 ERA in six appearances, allowing five earned runs in just 4.2 innings
Blackburn from strength to strength
On the other hand, Paul Blackburn finished the season on a high note. After a difficult debut with New York, he finished with a 1.50 ERA in his last 12 outings, earning the confidence of the coaching staff.
The Yankees also kept Warren, who is valued for his ability to provide length or face specific batters. With 14 position players, manager Aaron Boone ensured offensive flexibility, including three catchers (JC Escarra, Austin Wells and Ben Rice), a strategy that will allow him to be more aggressive in batting or running during the series.
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