The New York Yankees are battling for a Wild Card spot, but manager Aaron Boone is already focusing on how to handle a potential playoff series rather than just the remaining regular-season games.
With fewer than 15 games left, the Yankees hold the top American League Wild Card position and could still overtake the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. Still, a Wild Card series looks likely, and Boone is preparing for how that will affect his pitching staff.
The Yankees have been without Gerrit Cole all season due to injury, leaving Max Fried and Carlos Rodón to carry the load. Both have performed well and are the leading candidates to open a postseason series on the mound. Boone has hinted that he may prioritize keeping his best arms fresh for October, even if it means giving up ground in the push for home-field advantage.
“As much as you want to be at home, you’re not going to throw Max into a game that isn’t deciding whether or not you’re in the playoffs for a home-field situation,” Boone explained.
Potential Wild Card opponents include division rival Boston Red Sox, who recently leaned on a vintage performance from Aroldis Chapman to secure a series win. No matter who they face, Boone wants Fried and Rodón set to lead the Yankees into the postseason with strong outings at the top of the rotation.
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