Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:31 pm GMT
The decision to leave Marcus Stroman off the Yankees’ American League Division Series (ALDS) roster has raised eyebrows as New York prepares to face the Kansas City Royals. This choice underscores the challenges faced by the team’s management as they aim for postseason success amid tough roster dynamics.
Stroman Left Off ALDS Roster
The Yankees decided to go with only 11 pitchers for the ALDS, a significant reduction from prior expectations. Unfortunately for Stroman, this meant he was not included in the final lineup. He had a 4.31 ERA during the regular season, featuring in 30 games (29 starts). However, his performance tapered off in the second half, leading to his reassignment to the bullpen in September.
Manager Aaron Boone described the decision as “a hard decision, obviously,” and noted that the choice was carefully weighed until the very end. He stated that with potentially only needing three starters in this best-of-five series, they felt it was better to opt for an additional reliever rather than carrying Stroman or any of the other pitcher options.
Boone’s Strategy
The Yankees’ roster strategy reflects a thoughtful consideration of their pitching needs. With days off scheduled after Games 1, 2, and 4, the team believes they can rely on starters Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and either Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt. This schedule allows their relief pitchers to remain fresh, further diminishing the necessity for a long reliever.
Boone praised the decision to add Tim Mayza, a second lefty reliever, emphasizing the importance of depth in the bullpen. The Yankees’ management believes that having extra versatility in the field will be key to navigating the postseason.
Stroman’s Future in the Postseason
Though Stroman will not be active for the ALDS, he may still play a role if the Yankees advance. Stroman is expected to participate in live batting practice as a way to maintain his readiness. Boone indicated that he would be an option for the AL Championship Series (ALCS) should the Yankees progress.
“Stroman is a talented player, and we want to keep him in the mix for whatever comes next,” Boone remarked.
The Impact of Ellis and Rizzo
In a surprising twist, the Yankees included rookie outfielder Duke Ellis as the 15th position player on their ALDS roster. Ellis, who was claimed off waivers from the Mariners in August, provides speed and versatility. He brings a remarkable record, having successfully stolen 5 out of 5 bases in his limited MLB tenure.
Boone said, “It allows you to be a little more aggressive knowing you’ve got an extra man on the bench.” His ability to pinch-run could be a game-changer in tight situations.
Another notable absence from the roster is veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who is still recovering from injuries sustained earlier in the season. Rizzo expressed hope that he could return for the ALCS if the Yankees advance, leading Boone to comment positively on Rizzo’s recent batting practice outcomes.
Looking Ahead
With the departure of Stroman and the inclusion of Ellis, the Yankees are looking to make the most of their strategic choices. Boone’s confidence in his roster reflects a commitment to maximizing performance while managing available resources smartly. The upcoming games will determine if these decisions bear fruit for the franchise.
Fans will be watching closely as the Yankees start the postseason. Success against the Royals would be crucial, not only for the team’s chances but also for the management’s perception of their decisions as they navigate this ALDS.
Leaving Marcus Stroman off the ALDS roster was a hard decision, but it shows the Yankees are thinking carefully about their strategy for the playoffs. They are focusing on adding fast outfielders and making smart choices about their pitching lineup, which will be very important for how well they do in the games ahead.
