As the Yankees continue their quest for championship No. 28 with their ALDS series with the Royals, manager Aaron Boone met with the media prior to Game 1.
The long-time skipper was asked a myriad of questions about the ALDS roster and how recent injuries can play a part in this best-of-five series.
Here are some notable things he had to say…
Why Alex Verdugo over Jasson Dominguez?
The Yankees starting left fielder was a question for the days leading up to Game 1 and SNY’s Andy Martino reported that the team selected Verdugo to start over Dominguez at least for the series-opener.
Boone was asked about his and the organization’s thinking behind the decision.
“I just felt like this was the way to go for Game 1. Alex has been tremendous out there for us defensively and even though it’s been up-and-down with him in the second half, especially offensively, I still feel like there’s a really good hitter in there that can provide something for us there at the bottom [of the lineup].”
Verdugo has been a better defensive left fielder than Dominguez this season — albeit in a limited sample — this season. Dominguez, a center fielder by trade, has taken wrong routes to fly balls since he’s been called up in early September.
But Boone says that Verdugo’s experience in the league and the postseason also played a factor in the decision.
“Dugie is a veteran in this league, playoff experience, outstanding defensively. Yeah, that all factors in,” he said. “That doesn’t mean Jasson’s not going to play a big role, kick in an opportunity and still impact us in some way shape or form.”
Boone also said that Trent Grisham was also an option to start in left field in Game 1. That’s notable considering Grisham has not played in left field this season.
No decision on Game 3 starter
Gerrit Cole will take the mound for the Yankees in Game 1 and Carlos Rodon in the second game, but how about Game 3?
The ALDS roster includes Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt so either or can make that start but Boone isn’t sure — or at least not revealing yet — who he wants to take the mound in that game.
The Yankees roster includes 11 pitchers and no Marcus Stroman. The Yankees manager said it was a “hard decision” and pointed to the ALDS schedule and the number of off days between games as a factor in his decision on who to keep and the timing of an announcement.
“You don’t need the fourth starter, in theory,” Boone explained. “That puts Clarke and Luis Gil as potentials to take that Game 3 start but keeps them in the pen mix, in some level, for the first couple of games. That factored into it.
“Those off days, that pushed us to 13 to 12 pitchers to 11 pitchers especially when you have an extra starter who probably doesn’t make a start in this series. And looking at the role and what made the most sense, it made the most sense to go with another reliever.”
The Yankees skipper said a decision will be made after Game 2.
Why Mark Leiter Jr. was left off ALDS roster?
The big bullpen trade GM Brian Cashman made this season was acquiring Leiter Jr. from the Cubs, and it just hasn’t worked out for the right-hander as a Yankee, which is why he ultimately didn’t make the roster.
“Yea, I mean close call. Only going 11 pitchers here. Just felt like a number of guys, and he was very much in that mix, till the very end it could have been him, but we felt like because of the number of guys that have been performing really well for us,” Boone explained. “And [Tim] Mayza coming over being good against lefties, and Leiter’s bread and butter was to get lefties out too, it just felt like this was the way we wanted to go.
“It doesn’t mean Mark won’t play a huge role for us potentially in the next series and beyond. We’ll see. Just performances from other guys just nudged him [off the roster].”
In 21 appearances with the Yankees this season, Leiter Jr. has pitched to a 4.98 ERA and a 1.708 WHIP.
Without Anthony Rizzo, how’s first base going to look
Rizzo is not on the ALDS roster due to his fractured fingers and that forced Boone to tap utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera to start at first base in Game 1.
Despite Cabrera’s limited time playing first base this season, Boone is confident he can handle it.
“Losing Rizz is a tough blow. But Cabby has been such a steady player for us this year and just a guy you can count on so many in different roles. He’s always prepared,” Boone said. “I feel really good about him taking the field for us tonight. Again, not only provide a spark for us offensively but doing his thing on the defensive side that he usually does so well.”
The Yankees called up Ben Rice for the final game of the season and he made the roster to be another option, alongside Jon Berti, at first base.
Boone talked about the young left-hander’s role on this team.
“He could start a game. He could be aggressive with a pinch hit in the middle of the game,” he said. “I find Berti in the first base mix too. Provides some depth at that position where you might be a little bit aggressive.”