Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees / Luke Hales/GettyImages
Red Sox Officially Eliminated
As the Yankees navigate several roster decisions to address their pitching needs and replace Anthony Rizzo, one thing is clear: right-handed swingman Cody Poteet will not be part of their ALDS roster.
With concerns about potential rain interruptions and a strong desire to promote Will Warren one last time this season, the Yankees opted to demote Poteet ahead of Saturday’s rainy game. Warren made an appearance, but not in long relief; he pitched the ninth inning, increasing the Yankees’ deficit from 6-4 to 9-4. This left the Yankees’ bases-loaded chance against Aroldis Chapman in the following inning feeling rather dull and postponed their clinching of the best record until the Guardians lost later that evening.
Activating Warren meant Poteet’s temporary exit and excluded him from the Division Series, despite his performance being better than that of Marcus Stroman against the same Orioles, who may be the Yankees’ first playoff opponent. Although not injured, Poteet must remain off the roster for 15 days as he waits for another opportunity to pitch.
At this stage, Poteet might be a more viable option for the ALCS than the ALDS due to Rizzo’s injury, which necessitates bolstering the bench over the bullpen in a short series. However, with the final bullpen spot likely being a contest among Stroman, Tim Mayza, and Mark Leiter Jr., it’s important to note that Poteet has outperformed the others in that group, even as he has been sidelined.
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