Getty Images

With a narrow 8-6 win in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series against Cleveland Guardians, the New York Yankees are just one away from qualifying for the World Series. Giancarlo Stanton extended his dream run with another home run on Friday, and Juan Soto also contributed with a home run.

Luis Gil was decent in his start before Mark Leiter allowed the Guardians to level the score. Ultimately, Tommy Kahnle accomplished an inspiring save to guide the New York Yankees to a 3-1 lead in the seven-game ALCS. Meanwhile, ahead of an eventful Game 4, the Bronx Bombers announced a couple of forced changes to the roster.

Ian Hamilton Placed On IL With Calf Strain Injury

John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees have encountered a critical setback in the ongoing American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Cleveland Guardians, as they will be without reliever Ian Hamilton for the remainder of the series and potentially the World Series, should they advance. Hamilton suffered a left calf strain during Game 3, leaving his availability for the postseason in doubt. The injury occurred when Hamilton was covering first base in the sixth inning after a grounder hit by Cleveland rookie Daniel Schneemann was bobbled by Jon Berti. As Hamilton hustled to the base, he appeared to step awkwardly, leading to the strain. After attempting a warm-up pitch, it became clear that Hamilton could not continue, prompting Aaron Boone to replace him.

Meanwhile, with the New York Yankees leading the ALCS 3-1, the team wasted no time in finding a replacement, adding right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. to their roster. Leiter, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs midseason, has had an inconsistent run with the Yanks, recording a 4.98 ERA across 21 games. Despite the struggles, Boone expressed confidence in Leiter’s potential impact on the series. Notably, the latest setback will now prevent Hamilton from further postseason action. As per MLB rules, a player who is replaced mid-series due to injury is automatically ineligible for the next series, meaning Hamilton will not be eligible to play in the World Series should the Yankees advance. Meanwhile, manager Aaron Boone admitted that he was initially tempted to add starter Nestor Cortes to the roster, but Cortes is still recovering from an elbow strain and is not yet fully fit to pitch.

Brian Cashman Explains Yankees’ Roster Decision

Jason Szenes / New York Post
New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman revealed that the team considered several options before selecting Mark Leiter Jr. to replace injured reliever Ian Hamilton in the AL Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians. Among the names discussed were right-handers Cody Poteet and Clayton Beeter.

However, the team ultimately chose Leiter based on his track record of success against left-handed hitters. Leiter, who has been up and down during his time with the Yankees, was seen as the best fit given his ability to neutralize lefties, a key factor in high-leverage postseason situation. He pitched 1.2 innings on Friday allowed a run on two hits due to first base gaffe by Anthony Rizzo.