The Yankees have opted to carry 11 pitchers on their ALDS roster, making the tough decision to leave Marcus Stroman off the list. Manager Aaron Boone described this as a difficult choice, particularly weighing the benefits of having either 12 or 11 pitchers. Ultimately, the team determined that Stroman’s role was not crucial for this series, especially with a potential reliance on just three starting pitchers.
Instead of Stroman, the Yankees selected Tim Mayza as a second left-handed reliever to complement Tim Hill, choosing this duo over alternatives like Mark Leiter Jr. or Clayton Beeter.
The Yankees roster spot, which Stroman could have, is now given to rookie outfielder Duke Ellis. In the summer of 2024, Richard Ellis embarked on a whirlwind journey through Major League Baseball. His big league debut came on June 4 with the Chicago White Sox, who added him to their 40-man roster. However, Ellis’ stint with the White Sox was short-lived, as the team designated him for assignment just 12 days later.
The New York Mets saw potential in Ellis, claiming him off waivers on June 21. Yet, this opportunity also proved fleeting, with the Mets parting ways with him before the month’s end. Ellis’ baseball odyssey continued as he joined the Seattle Mariners on Independence Day. Despite spending nearly two months with the organization, Seattle ultimately designated him for assignment in late August.
Fortune smiled on Ellis when the New York Yankees signed him on August 26. His persistence finally paid off on September 4 at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. In a moment that justified his perseverance through multiple team changes, Ellis notched his first major league hit, a single to left field, etching his name in the annals of baseball history.
To bolster their speed on the basepaths, the Yankees added Ellis to their ALDS roster as the 15th position player, giving them a pinch-running option off the bench. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized that this addition enables the team to employ more aggressive substitution strategies.
The series schedule, which includes off-days after Games 1, 2, and 4, allows the Yankees to utilize Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and either Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt as their starters. This setup also facilitates the more frequent use of other relievers while decreasing the need for a long reliever.
Yankees try to assure Stroman
Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million contract with a vesting option for 2026, began the season strongly but saw his performance dip in the latter half. He was transitioned to the bullpen in mid-September and made only one relief appearance before stepping in for the injured Nestor Cortes.
To stay prepared, Stroman is scheduled to participate in live batting practice sessions in the coming days. Yankees manager Boone noted that Stroman could be a candidate for the ALCS roster in various capacities if the Yankees advance.
“A hard decision obviously, especially going down to the very end, still considering 12 pitchers, 11 pitchers, and then where’s the role (for Stroman),” the Yankees manager said. “Obviously, this series, potentially only needing three starters, having four on (the roster)… you just felt like for the role in this series, it’s better to go with another player.”
Meanwhile, Nestor Cortes is scheduled to throw on Sunday for the first time since being sidelined by a left elbow flexor strain. His potential availability as a bullpen option for the ALCS hinges on how well he progresses during recovery. Cortes reported feeling nearly pain-free and estimated that he may need two bullpen sessions and two live batting practice sessions to prepare for throwing 20 to 30 pitches in a game.
The Yankees are likely to postpone their decision on the Game 3 starter between Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt until Tuesday.
These updates underscore the complexities teams face in playoff roster construction and game management, including player health, specialized roles, and the need for strategic flexibility.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
When Stroman has a 5.79 ERA since June 1 (18G/17GS), and only 85.1 innings in that time frame, why does he think he deserves a roster spot for this playoff series? All the off days, says NO. You’re upset, then maybe you should’ve pitched better over the last 4 months of the 2024 season. Too many times, opportunity was right there in front of him, but he never seized the opportunity.