The New York Yankees announced their 25-man roster for the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins Friday.
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— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 4, 2019
They have decided to go with 12 pitchers with the rotation being James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and Luis Severino.
CC Sabathia was left off the roster for the ALDS due to a shoulder problem he’s had. Sabathia was given a cortisone shot last week in which the shoulder didn’t respond well, explaining his absence from the roster.
“It’s tough, obviously, being here and not being able to participate in playoffs,” said Sabathia. “I didn’t want to put the team in jeopardy. I want the best opportunity for this team to win a championship. I feel like we have a good opportunity. I didn’t want to be selfish and go out there hurt and put the team in a bad spot.”
Edwin Encarnacion, who’s been on the injured list, is on the roster expecting to play in game one of the series. “(He’s) good,” said manager Aaron Boone during Thursday’s press conference. “He’s out there hitting… Smoked a couple (of) balls out there, hit a homer. Yesterday really cut loose with some.”
Gio Urshela also had an injury scared that sparked some questions on his spot on the roster. However, Boone is anticipating that his third basemen is ready to go. “Yeah, Gio’s good. I’m not concerned. He had a full workout yesterday and he’s good to go.”
Players left off the roster include Mike Ford, who slashed .259/.350/.559 this season and Clint Frazier, who batted .267 with 12 home runs in 69 games played.
Since Clint Frazier is not on the roster, the only left-handed bats they will have in the lineup is Didi Gregorius and Brett Gardner.
Key players during the season Mike Tauchman (calf) and Aaron Hicks (elbow) will most likely miss the remainder of the season due to their injuries.