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Eovaldi ready should Yanks advance to ALDS

Right-hander could be an option for New York out of the bullpen

NEW YORK -- Nathan Eovaldi faced hitters from the mound at Yankee Stadium on Monday and said that he will be ready to pitch out of the bullpen, should the Yankees advance to face the Royals in the American League Division Series.

"I feel like I did well enough out there," Eovaldi said. "I was just a little rusty. I'll be ready to go."

Eovaldi, 25, has not pitched since Sept. 5 due to right elbow inflammation. He posted a team-leading 14 victories against just three losses in 27 starts, compiling a 4.20 ERA.

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Eovaldi said that he threw about 10 pitches in the bullpen and then 15 to 20 on the mound, facing both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Eovaldi, who has not pitched in relief since his rookie 2011 season with the Dodgers, said that he would not be available to pitch in Tuesday's American League Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser against the Astros (8 p.m. ET on ESPN).

"No chance tomorrow, especially after going today, but I would assume for Kansas City," Eovaldi said. "I just got done out there, so I don't know when I would be throwing next or what I need to do, but 25 or 30 pitches today."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch, on Facebook and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat.
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