Yankees, Anthony Rizzo

Robert Sabo for NY Post

The New York Yankees released AL Championship Series roster hours leading up to Game 1 scheduled at the Yankee Stadium with some eye catching additions. Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, who missed ALDS, was reintroduced to the bullpen for the ALCS against Cleveland Guardians.

Additionally, injured Nestor Cortes continued to get sidelined as he yet to heal from the elbow strain injury. Most importantly, the New York Yankees brought back veteran infielder Anthony Rizzo to take over first base duties after he missed the AL Division series with fractured finger injury. However, Rizzo did not appear fully healed on his first game back.

Anthony Rizzo Starts In ALCS Game 1 Despite Lingering Pain

Yankees, Anthony RizzoRobert Sabo for NY Post
Anthony Rizzo has returned to the New York Yankees’ lineup for the ALCS after missing the Division Series due to a fractured right hand sustained on September 28 when he was hit by a pitch. The injury forced him to miss the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals, where the Yanks used Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti to fill in at first base. Despite this, New York advanced to the ALCS, and Rizzo was added to the roster just 16 days after his injury. Moreover, manager Aaron Boone demonstrated confidence in the veteran by immediately placing him in the starting lineup for Game 1 against the Cleveland Guardians, batting eighth. Notably, Rizzo has battled injuries throughout the season.

He featured in only 92 games in 2024 and posted a slash line of .228/.301/.335. However, he finished the regular season strong, hitting .385 in his final eight games. Having said that, Anthony Rizzo was still dealing with a lot of pain as he stepped into the Yankee Stadium. “The 50,000 people in the stands and the adrenaline and what’s at stake is gonna outweigh any pain,” Rizzo said in the pre-game press conference. Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo was replaced by Oswaldo Cabrera in the ninth inning, which was deemed a precautionary move by manager Aaron Boone. And he expects the veteran to start at first base again in Game 2. While Rizzo’s return bolsters the lineup, the Bombers also made other adjustments for the ALCS, including adding pitcher Marcus Stroman for extra bullpen depth. Despite these changes, both Cabrera and Berti remain on the roster as bench options.

Yankees Now Eyeing Cortes’ World Series Return

Yankees, Nestor CortesCredit: Getty Images
Nestor Cortes will not be part of the New York Yankees’ roster for the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians due to a left flexor strain that has sidelined him since late September. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Cortes’ recovery, hinting that the left-hander could return if the team advances to the World Series.

The pitcher recently started throwing again, and Aaron Boone expressed excitement about his progress, although he noted NestorCortes is still a few days away from being ready for in-game action. Moreover, the Yankees are taking a cautious approach with Cortes, ensuring that he is fully ready to contribute should the team need him in the next stage of the postseason.