NEW YORK — A week-long gap provides Aaron Boone, manager of the Yankees, time to finalize his playoff roster. Here is a look at nine of his most-suitable players he has to consider for his playoff roster.
Carpenter needs to show the Yankees that his right foot is better and that he can get back up to speed in less than 10 days so he can get a place on the playoff roster. He has to show his fitness and performance during the live at-bats at Double-A Somerset. Boone said that Carpenter, who has recently run the bases, won’t be asked to play defense right away.
Hicks could be the best choice for the Yankees’ fourth outfielder on the playoff roster. He’s been hitting better lately, and he’s the best defensive option off the bench, especially in left field. Hicks is also fast enough to be used as a pinch-runner.
Chapman is one of several players on the Yankees roster who are still competing for a spot on the playoff roster. The Yankees have not made up their minds about whether or not they can rely on the left-handed pitcher, who is 34 years old. Chapman did not allow a run in any of his previous five appearances. However, he had poor performances the Orioles and the Red Sox.
The fact that Chapman has a 4.58 ERA for the season and will be a free agent at the end of November does not necessarily mean that the Yankees need to worry about harming their relationship with Chapman.
Peraza is fast, hits hard with his right hand, and is a great shortstop. If the team wants someone to stay in line for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and keep Gonzalez out, they could have Peraza on the playoff roster.
Clarke Schmidt
It seems like the Yankees have been giving Schmidt late-inning spots to force him to play like it’s the postseason. There’s no doubt that what he does is real, and he could be a big help if on the playoff roster. It’s about how well he can handle it when things get tough.
Castro will be taken off the injured list by the Yankees and may get a place on the playoff roster. He has been out since the middle of July with a strained shoulder. Before he got hurt, he made 32 appearances and had an ERA of 4.00. Last season, he made 69 appearances and had an ERA of 3.45. With all the injuries in the Yankees’ bullpen, it’s not crazy to think that Castro could still make the team.
Even though Luetge’s ERA is 2.73, he might not be on the hot seat at all. He can be used as a left-on-left specialist, or the Yankees can use him to finish up games. Whether or not Luetge is on the Yankees’ playoff roster could depend on who they play in the ALDS.
Gonzalez plays everywhere and hits both ways, but he hasn’t been very good offensively or defensively anywhere this season. He has stayed on the active roster the whole season.
Locastro is one of the fastest and best base runners in the major leagues. If the Yankees need a fast player to steal a base off the bench, Locastro is the one to call to the playoff roster.
Manager Boone will “continue to look for spots to get guys in and make evaluations.”
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