Sep 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after the final out of the top of the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
Death, Taxes and New York Yankees Post-Season baseball.
After a week of much needed rest, the Bronx Bombers are about to set off on their journey through October. After finishing the regular season 99-63 regular, the Yankee secured the two seed in the American League, which in essence, propelled the 27-time World Champions to the Divisional Round.
Fast forward a week, and they now square off with the Cleveland Guardians, who slipped by the Rays in the Wild Card round despite scoring just three runs across 24 innings. As the Yankees get set to rev up their postseason engines, it’s important to note why fans should be happy it’s the Guardians meeting them in the ALDS, and not the division rival Tampa Bay Rays.
Firstly, the Yankees beat up on the Guardians in 2022 as opposed to the Rays. While New York still had a winning record against Tampa throughout the season at 11-8 overall, they were 5-1 against the Guardians with 38 runs scored in those six games. Simply put, the Yankees bats match up better against Cleveland’s arms than they do Tampa’s.
Secondly, the Yankees pitching shuts down Cleveland’s bats, as they allowed just 14 runs in the six regular season contests they engaged in. Also of note, Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole went 2-0 vs. the Guardians in two starts. The Bombers ace allowed a total of just two runs through 12 2/3 innings. Despite “struggling” this year (3.50 ERA – 30th in MLB) Cole let the MLB in strikeouts. His 257 punch-out’s in 200.2 innings set a Yankees single-season franchise record. Cole served up the most home runs in the league as well.
Keep in mind, the Guardians had to fire their top starters, Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie, in the Wild Card round, meaning McKenzie will likely only be able to start one game in this series. Bieber can make his first start of this series on regular rest, but would need to work on short rest were he to make a second appearance.
Notably, Ardois Chapman and DJ LeMahieu were left off the Divisional Series rosters. Manager Aaron Boone said that Chapman had a decent shot of making the ALDS roster but will miss the chance to pitch this postseason after missing a mandatory workout. The Yankees long time closer was scheduled to throw a batting practice session but skipped it and returned to his home in Miami. The veteran reliever has had a disappointing season with a 4.46 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 36 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old is a free agent after the season.
As for LeMahieu, the veteran infielder has been dealing with a lingering right toe injury for the last few months and is likely headed for offseason surgery. It’s unclear whether he’ll be an option for New York if they advance further this postseason. His absence creates an opportunity for rookie Oswaldo Cabrera and veteran Matt Carpenter.
Regardless of the past, moving forward, all that matters is the present. The New York Yankees now begin their quest for World Series Ring #28.
Tuesday (Game 1): Gerrit Cole vs. Cal Quantrill (7:37 PM ET)
