TORONTO – The Yankees announced their 26-man roster for the American League Division Series on Saturday, making just one change from the Wild Card round: adding right-hander Luis Gil and subtracting right-hander Mark Leiter Jr.
Gil is set to start Saturday’s Game 1 against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. He was not carried on the AL Wild Card roster against the Red Sox after throwing 79 pitches in the final game of the regular season against the Orioles.
Leiter did not appear in the three-game Wild Card Series against Boston. He was 6-7 with a 4.84 ERA and two saves in 59 appearances during the regular season.
“Tough call,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Game 1. “Obviously, Mark's pitched in some big games for us. [There was] certainly a case to keep him on. It's also one of those situations where I feel like we're deciding between a few good options that can help us in that last spot in the ‘pen.”
Boone said left-handers Brent Headrick and left-hander Ryan Yarbrough were also considered for this round.
Pitchers (12): David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Tim Hill, Carlos Rodón, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Luke Weaver, Devin Williams
Catchers (2): J.C. Escarra, Austin Wells
Infielders (4): Jazz Chisholm, Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, Ryan McMahon, Anthony Volpe
Outfielders (4): Jasson Domínguez, Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton
Utility (4): Cody Bellinger, José Caballero, Ben Rice, Amed Rosario