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New York Yankees, desperate to bring a championship home since 2009, might accomplish the long-awaited dream this year as they stand one win away from advancing to the World Series. With an 8-6 win in Game 4 of the ALCS, the Bombers extended its lead to 3-1 in the seven-game series.

Ahead of Game 5, the New York Yankees are taking a cautious and steady approach. Interestingly, the team management took a bold call ahead of Game 4 with regards to the roster composition. Due to an unfortunate injury, Aaron Boone made a forced change which raised eyebrows of many fans and analysts alike.

Ian Hamilton Lands On IL, Mark Leiter Added As Replacement

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The New York Yankees are just two wins away from their first World Series appearance since 2009, but they’ve made a crucial roster adjustment heading into Game 4 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. Relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. has been added to the roster, replacing Ian Hamilton, who is sidelined due to a left calf injury sustained during Thursday’s game. Notably, this change comes with significant consequences for the postseason, as Hamilton will be ineligible for the World Series if the Yanks advance. Leiter, acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, hasn’t had the smoothest ride in pinstripes. He posted a 4.98 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP in 21 games for New York during the regular season.

Despite his struggles, Leiter will now be a potential option in the bullpen for the remainder of the series. Ian Hamilton, on the other hand, was an emerging bullpen piece for the New York Yankees during the postseason. Though his playoff experience is limited, Hamilton provided solid outings, including 1.1 scoreless innings in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals. His sudden injury leaves a gap that Leiter will need to fill. Having said that, Boone’s decision to include Leiter rather than someone like Cody Poteet, who posted a 2.22 ERA in the regular season, might be seen as risky. However, Boone does have alternatives. Marcus Stroman, who was relegated to the bullpen for the ALCS, is available for long relief. Overall, with Carlos Rodon set to start Game 5, the Bombers aim to close out the ALCS and secure a long-awaited return to the World Series.

Mark Leiter’s First Day With Yankees Was Shaky

Jason Szenes / New York Post
The New York Yankees turned to Mark Leiter Jr. in a pivotal moment during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, and despite some rocky moments, the right-hander rose to the occasion. Leiter, who was added to the ALCS roster to replace the injured Ian Hamilton, made his postseason debut on Friday night.

He entered the game with runners on first and second and only one out, tasked with preserving a slim one-run lead. Leiter successfully escaped the jam. However, the eighth inning proved more challenging. After allowing a leadoff double, Leiter got two outs but mishandled a slow grounder from David Fry, resulting in the tying run crossing the plate. Despite the miscue, the Yankees offense rallied two runs to retake the lead.