BOSTON -- A lengthy evening of numbers-crunching moved the Yankees closer to selecting their starter for Wednesday's American League Wild Card Game, but manager Aaron Boone said that he is still not prepared to reveal the pitcher's identity.
General manager Brian Cashman traveled to Boston to participate in the discussion, helping the Yankees select from the group of J.A. Happ, Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka to start the win-or-go-home contest against the Athletics. That game will be played at 8 p.m. ET and televised on TBS.
• AL Wild Card Game: Wed., 8 p.m. ET on TBS
"We had a lot of men on it last night," Boone said Sunday. "Cash and the coaching staff and the support staff really dove into it. We're closer to that decision. I don't have it for you today, but in my mind, I'm getting a lot closer to which way I want to go."
Severino had been scheduled to start on Sunday against the Red Sox, but with home-field advantage secured, Boone opted to start right-hander Luis Cessa instead.
No matter whom the Yankees select to start Wednesday, Boone is expected to use the bullpen aggressively. He said that the Wild Card Game roster is mostly set, with only the final spots still up for discussion between an extra pitcher or position player.
"I can't wait. This is what we play for," Boone said. "This is why guys work so hard in the offseason and Spring Training and all the many people that pour into getting us to this point. You relish the opportunity to chase down the ultimate prize, and it starts Wednesday."
This date in Yankees history
Sept. 30, 1984: Don Mattingly goes 4-for-5 in a 9-2 win over the Tigers, finishing the season with a .343 average to claim the American League batting title.