A night after celebrating a division title with champagne and beer, the Yankees rolled with a so-called hangover lineup for their series opener against the Pirates on Friday.
Aaron Judge was the most notable absence. However, Aaron Boone said the slugger will play the Yankees’ final two regular-season games Saturday and Sunday before the team earns a first-round bye ahead of the American League Division Series.
“He’ll play,” Boone said. “I’ve been wanting to give him a day off for about a month. So, I finally bought him one here.
Friday night lights. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/xVw7Pr9c20
– New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 27, 2024
Judge is on the verge of his second 60-homer season — only Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa have accomplished the feat twice — and has gone deep in five straight games. However, Boone said that didn’t factor into his decision to rest Judge, who played in 157 games this season. This ties a career high.
“He doesn’t play for that,” Boone said.
Boone said it was also a priority to give Austin Wells some rest. The receiver will also likely be out in one of the final two games.
Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo were also missing from the Yankees’ lineup Friday. Meanwhile, Boone had Juan Soto DH’ing.
“I plan on these guys playing this weekend,” Boone said, “but a few of them will have at least one day and go from there.”
The full Yankees lineup looked like this: Gleyber Torres-2B, Juan Soto-DH, Jazz Chisholm Jr.-3B, Jasson Domínguez-LF, Alex Verdugo-RF, Anthony Volpe-SS, Trent Grisham-CF, Jose Trevino-C . and Oswaldo Cabrera-1B.
LeMahieu hopes to be an option
DJ LeMahieu (hip) feels better following a cortisone injection. He plans to begin his baseball activities in the coming days. With the Yankees securing a first-round bye, he will strive to become an option for the ALDS roster.
“I don’t know if they’ll use me or not,” he said, “but I’ll definitely try to be available.”
LeMahieu is coming off the worst season of his career, slashing .204/.269/.259 with a 52 wRC+. It seems unlikely the Yankees will call on him if they’re ready, although Boone said, “We’ll see.” »
“What is encouraging is how he feels, how he is doing and his willingness to work hard and do everything he can to be an option,” the skipper continued. “So I’m really excited about that and the fact that I feel like he’s turned the corner a little bit.”
LeMahieu said he hasn’t talked to the Yankees about being an option. And if he’s not, he understands.
“Our team is playing really well right now, so I just want to do everything I can to make sure I’m an option,” he said. “It was good to be with the guys, that’s for sure. It’s definitely what keeps me coming to the park every day, and we have a great group.
Layoff schedule
The ALDS doesn’t begin until Saturday, Oct. 5, so the Yankees will be on an extended layoff following Sunday’s regular-season finale.
Boone said Monday will be an off day, although some pitchers may have to play catch. The Yankees will begin to ramp up Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Those days could include live batting practice and simulated games, although Tuesday is a lighter day. Friday will be a traditional practice before the Yankees begin their playoff run.
Rodón and the rotation
While Gerrit Cole is set to start Game 1 of the ALDS, the Yankees have not decided whether Carlos Rodón will start Game 2 or Game 3. It will depend on who the Bombers play and who their third starter is; That’s all they need in the best-of-five ALDS.
This also remains a conversation, even if the choices belong to Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt.
“We feel like we have a tough decision,” Boone said, “but it’s a good decision because we have a lot of confidence in whoever’s pitching.”
Berti and the bench
Because of his speed, Jon Berti’s name came up during Boone’s pregame press conference. The manager said the utilityman would likely play twice this weekend.
Boone then added a comment alluding to the number of bench players and pitchers the team could field for the short ALDS.
“You have off days,” Boone said. “You don’t necessarily need to use four inputs. All of this could be accounted for by maybe an extra position player or something on the bench. So we’ll see.
An “extra” player would mean a five-man bench and a 12-man pitching staff.
Cousins Begins To Throw
Jake Cousins (pec) pitched for the first time since going on the injured list Friday. He did it on flat ground, using light holds. The reliever still hopes to be ready for the start of the ALDS.
