Yankees leave 3 impact players off the ALDS roster

The New York Yankees‘ roster for the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians has a few surprises. Utilityman Marwin Gonzalez, relief pitcher Miguel Castro, and outfielder Tim Locastro all made it.

Since the roster size is 26, their presence means the Yankees have to leave behind some impact players, in addition to Aroldis Chapman: infielders DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza, and relief pitcher Scott Effross will not be playing in the Division Series.

Two of the absences have to do with injuries, and the other one was manager Aaron Boone’s decision.

LeMahieu has been dealing with a lingering right toe ailment and this is a sign he is nowhere near 100 percent. The most likely scenario has him underging surgery during the offseason, but he still may have a chance to play should the Yankees advance further in the postseason.

The Yankees’ most recent injury blow

The Yankees suffered a huge blow with Effross: he won’t be playing in the 2022 postseason as the team discovered a right elbow injury, but it turns out he needs Tommy John surgery and will likely be out of action until 2024. The Yanks just can’t catch a break.

The Yankees leaving Peraza off the roster qualifies as a surprise. The organization is opting for Marwin Gonzalez’s versatile glove and Tim Locastro’s speed to impact games late. Peraza is a solid defender at shortstop and had a .833 OPS in the season, and could potentially be an option for the Championship Series if the Yankees advance.

LeMahieu and Peraza’s absences create spots for Oswaldo Cabrera and Gonzalez, while reliever Miguel Castro will be taking Effross’ spot. The Yankees luck with injuries in the bullpen has been truly horrific.

On a positive note, Matt Carpenter was able to make the roster and has reportedly looked good in live batting practice, so he could be an option to take at-bats from the bench (and potentially from the DH spot eventually) at some point.