Yankees, Aaron Boone

The New York Yankees earned themselves five days of rest period with a bye for the first round of ALDS. That was only possible because the team finished at the top of the AL-East division to not only clinch division supremacy but also home advantage for the ALDS and ALCS.

That being said, the New York Yankees will be keeping a tab on the wildcard series between the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals, as the winner of the contest will face the Yanks next in the American League Division series. However, the Bombers are being cautious about what they wish for as the wildcard series heats up.

Yankees Wary Of ALDS Challenge Amid Wildcard Series

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As the New York Yankees worked out at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, Game 1 of the Orioles-Royals wildcard series was playing on the video board. Yet, manager Aaron Boone insisted he had no rooting interest in which team the Yanks would face in the ALDS, which begins on Saturday. “I’m always careful what you wish for. That team may knock us out,” Boone said before the workout. Notably, the Royals took Game 1 at Camden Yards in a 1-0 thriller, and Boone likely wouldn’t mind the wildcard teams exhausting each other’s pitching staffs before one advanced to face the Bombers. And the Yanks have a bit more familiarity with the Orioles, going 5-8 against them this season, compared to a 5-2 record against the Royals.

Meanwhile, Aaron Boone focused on ensuring the New York Yankees stay sharp during their break, with Tuesday’s workout centering on fundamentals like infield and outfield defense, pitchers’ fielding practice, and batting practice. Gerrit Cole, who is slated to start Game 1 of the ALDS, threw a live batting practice session against Jose Trevino, Ben Rice, and Jon Berti to stay sharp. Anthony Rizzo, still wearing a brace on his fractured right hand, hasn’t yet returned to baseball activities. Boone has referred to Rizzo as a “long shot” to make the ALDS roster, although the first baseman was giving pointers to Oswaldo Cabrera, Rice, and Berti as they took ground balls at first base. Additionally, the Bombers are deciding on the final few pitchers and possibly the last bench spot, pending a decision on whether they carry 13 pitchers and 13 position players or go with 12 and 14.

Jake Cousins To Hit Bullpen Sessions, In Line For Playoff Return

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In a significant development, Jake Cousins, recovering from a strained pectoral, threw a bullpen session and will face hitters on Thursday, potentially keeping him on track to return for the ALDS. Manager Aaron Boone expects the relief pitcher to be ready for the ALDS, which is scheduled to begin this weekend at the Yankee Stadium.

Also, the New York Yankees skipper remains indecisive on left field choice between Jasson Dominguez and Alex Verdugo. As for Dominguez, Boone said, “whatever way we go, he’s going to play a big part.” This essentially means Verdugo will see reduction in his playing time during the playoff stretch.