As the New York Yankees prepare for Game 1 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, they’ve made key changes to their roster, adding first baseman Anthony Rizzo and right-hander Marcus Stroman. Both players are expected to play critical roles in the series, offering the Yankees much-needed experience and talent in what promises to be a high-stakes matchup.
Rizzo’s return after injury
Anthony Rizzo’s return comes as a surprise, given the seriousness of his injury. The 35-year-old fractured two fingers on his right hand after being hit by a pitch from Pittsburgh’s Ryan Borucki on September 28. Despite this, Rizzo’s return could give the Yankees an edge, particularly in their infield defense and at the plate.
This season has been injury-marred for Rizzo, who hit .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs across 92 games. His year was further disrupted by a fractured forearm in June following a collision with a Boston reliever. However, after coming off the injured list in September, Rizzo was quick to regain his form, batting .380 in 21 at-bats. Now, with over two weeks of recovery from his finger injury, he is ready to make an impact in the ALCS.
Rizzo’s presence at first base could bring stability to the Yankees’ defense, and his experience, including three All-Star appearances and a 2016 World Series title with the Chicago Cubs, will be crucial as the team seeks to overcome the Guardians and advance to the World Series.
Stroman’s role in the ALCS
Marcus Stroman, who finished the regular season with a 10-9 record and a 4.31 ERA, also returns to the Yankees’ roster for the ALCS. Like Rizzo, Stroman has had a challenging season, particularly in September when he struggled with an 8.80 ERA across four outings. Despite these struggles, Stroman brings a wealth of postseason experience that could prove valuable in a long series.
Stroman made 29 starts and one relief appearance for the Yankees this season, and while his September performance wasn’t his best, his versatility allows him to contribute as either a starter or in relief. The Yankees may look to use Stroman in critical spots throughout the series, relying on his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His return gives the Yankees greater depth in their pitching staff, which could be pivotal in a potentially extended series against Cleveland.
Impact on the Yankees’ Roster
To make room for Rizzo and Stroman, the Yankees made some adjustments, dropping first baseman Ben Rice and outfielder Duke Ellis from the roster. Rice did not feature in any games during the ALDS, and Ellis was used as a pinch-runner. These roster moves reflect the Yankees’ desire to optimize their lineup with more seasoned players who can handle the pressure of playoff baseball.
Cleveland also made changes to their roster, adding right-hander Pedro Avila while dropping outfielder Angel Martinez. With the Guardians bolstering their pitching staff, the series is expected to feature some intense battles on the mound.
Looking ahead
The ALCS kicks off tonight at Yankee Stadium, with left-hander Carlos Rodon starting for the Yankees against Cleveland’s Alex Cobb. Rizzo and Stroman’s return adds intrigue to a matchup that already promises plenty of drama. As the Yankees and Guardians vie for a place in the World Series, these key roster changes could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the series.
Both teams will be looking for standout performances from their returning players, and for the Yankees, Rizzo and Stroman’s contributions could be the difference in their quest to reach the World Series. The game is scheduled for October 14, 2024, at 7:38 p.m. ET and will be televised on TBS and truTV, with streaming available on platforms like Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, Max, and more.
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