Yankees’ roster plan for 2024 ALDS taking shape

NEW YORK — The Yankees’ decision-makers held a lengthy meeting on Wednesday evening to hash out their choices for the American League Division Series roster, one that general manager Brian Cashman described as the “appetizer” for the upcoming main course.

A leading topic on that menu is the club’s pitching staff, as manager Aaron Boone said that he is wrestling between carrying 11 or 12 pitchers for the ALDS, which will begin against the Royals on Saturday at 6:37 p.m. ET.

“I’m kind of torn a little bit,” Boone said.

The Yankees carried 12 pitchers for their 2022 ALDS against the Guardians. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón have been announced as the starters for Games 1 and 2, respectively, while Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt are in competition for the Game 3 start at Kansas City.

“Having the off-days in a five-game series and not needing the fourth starter puts Clarke and Luis in play on some level in the first couple of games in a different kind of role,” Boone said.

In recent days, the Yankees have mentioned Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Luke Weaver among their likely choices in the bullpen. Cousins is tossing a simulated game on Thursday, with the club expecting him to be healthy for the ALDS after a strained right pectoral muscle sent him to the injured list.

If Cousins is ready, that would make 10, with Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Mayza and Marcus Stroman believed to be on the bubble. Boone said that Mayza “is certainly in the running” as a second left-hander who “could definitely be an asset for us in some certain situations.”

Boone said on Thursday that the club has not decided about Stroman, who pitched two innings in a simulated game on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

“We’re trying to keep him with some volume and stretched out,” Boone said. “I don’t expect him to be a starter in this series. As for what role, we haven’t made that call yet.”

Others on the 40-man roster include Clayton Beeter, Scott Effross, Cody Poteet and Will Warren. The Yanks’ interest in an 11-man staff hints that they are considering a pinch-running role for outfielder Duke Ellis, who appeared in three September games with the Bombers.

Boone added that “it could be fluid from there,” suggesting Domínguez and Verdugo may both see starts at the position. Cashman said that despite Domínguez’s defensive blips in the outfield, he believes it has been beneficial to gather more data on the 21-year-old standout.

“There’s a few plays that have gotten a lot of attention, and understandably so,” Cashman said. “This is a very young, high-end prospect that was dropped into the middle of a pennant race and playing a position that he’s still developing in. It’s a tough spot to be in.”

Watching the Royals-Orioles AL Wild Card Series from afar, Boone reminded his coaches to “be careful what you wish for,” understanding that any opponent can be a threat in a short series.

“I think we match up well against anyone, but I also know every team scares me and is dangerous,” Boone said.

Boone lauded Kansas City’s well-rounded starting pitchers and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., along with the recent return of Vinnie Pasquantino to the heart of the lineup and a bullpen whose performance has ticked up over the past month or so. The Yanks were 5-2 against Kansas City during the regular season.

“They’re a formidable team, they’re a scary team,” Boone said. “They’re coming off a big road series victory against a good opponent and will probably walk into here with a lot of confidence. That said, we’re excited for the challenge of it and can’t wait to get going Saturday night.”

Anthony Rizzo has yet to resume baseball activities, according to Cashman, who said that the first baseman is experiencing “less pain than you would expect” after fracturing two fingers on his right hand in the penultimate game of the regular season.

“We’re trying to give it the runway it deserves because of the magnitude of the player,” Cashman said.

Rizzo remains a long shot to be ready for the ALDS, with Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera the leading choices at first base. DJ LeMahieu is also attempting to recover from a right hip impingement, though his timeline remains murky.