Prior to game one of the Wild Card Series against the Cleveland Indians, the New York Yankees have unveiled their 28-man roster for the best-of-three series.
The Yankees have announced their 28-man roster for the 2020 Wild Card Series vs. Cleveland pic.twitter.com/V3OPYrLZte
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) September 29, 2020
The roster is pretty much as expected, but there are a few small surprises. With the lack of production from the catcher’s spot in 2020, the Yankees are carrying all three of their catchers in Gary Sanchez, Kyle Higashioka, and Erik Kratz. Higashioka will get the start in game one, catching Gerrit Cole, but it’s likely we see Sanchez in games two and three.
Mike Ford also made the postseason roster, despite spending the last two weeks of the season at the alternate site. The Yankees call on him for some lefty-power of the bench, but it’s a bit surprising to see him as he’s bat just .135 this season.
Additionally, Deivi Garcia made the roster, but will be out of the bullpen this series. It’s possible we see Garcia make a start in the ALDS if the Yankees advance, but right now the Yankees have their rotation set. Masahiro Tanaka will take the ball in game two after Cole, with JA Happ taking the ball if a game three is necessary. The Indians have Shane Bieber going in game one, Carlos Carrasco in game two, and Zach Plesac in game three. All three Indians pitchers have sub-three ERAs.
Regardless if the series goes two or three games, the Yankees will be able to pitch Cole in game one of the ALDS if the team advances. The ALDS doesn’t begin until Monday, October 5th.