New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone hasn’t announced his roster for the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, but we do know one thing: relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman won’t be a part of it.
According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Chapman missed a workout and had “not an acceptable excuse,” per Boone. He went home to Miami and quit on the Yankees, who fined him and are exploring any other disciplinary actions.
Chapman was on the roster bubble, but ultimately was expected to be with his teammates for the ALDS. How will the Yankees replace him?
The Yankees are expected to take 12 pitchers. Gerrit Cole, who will start Game 1 on Tuesday, will be there, as well as the starters for the next two contests: Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino.
Scott Effross, Domingo Germán, Jonathan Loáisiga, Lucas Luetge, Clarke Schmidt, and Lou Trivino will all make the roster, while recovering stars Wandy Peralta and Clay Holmes are expected to be in, as well.
Who will be the Yankees’ last pitcher?
That makes 11 pitchers, and the Yankees are expected to take 12 to the ALDS against Cleveland. If they don’t promote Jameson Tallion (they probably won’t, since he is more of an ALCS play), there are three firm candidates to take Chapman’s spot: Miguel Castro, Greg Weissert, and Albert Abreu.
Castro had a 4.03 ERA in 29 frames, but took off when he started to use his breaking ball more. Weissert excelled all year at Triple-A but had a 5.56 ERA in the majors.
Abreu was released by two organizations this year, but had a 3.16 ERA in 25.2 frames since signing with the Yankees in the summer. He and Castro recently overcame injuries but are currently healthy.
Chapman had a 4.46 ERA in 36.1 innings, but was the Yankees’ last-placed pitcher in WAR with -0.2 and isn’t reliable anymore.