The Yankees are set to face Boston in the Wild Card Series after Tampa Bay clinched the AL East, but will be without Aaron Judge, who has a moderate right calf strain. Cam Schlittler and Max Fried are projected starters; third base remains unsettled.
Schlittler is the likely Game 1 starter after finishing the regular season with a 1.94 ERA; Fried is projected for Game 2 despite an elbow issue that limited him to 20 games. Carlos Rodón or Gerrit Cole could start Game 3 if needed. Manager Aaron Boone expects Cole to start in the postseason, but no assignment is definite.
Boone plans to try Anthony Volpe at third and keep George Lombard Jr. at shortstop this week; Amed Rosario and José Caballero are alternatives. Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned from the injured list Tuesday and is likely at second. Spencer Jones is expected to earn a roster spot, while Trent Grisham has yet to return from a right hamstring strain. Clarke Schmidt may not be used in relief after biceps soreness cut short his warmup Sunday; Ryan Weathers’ possible return remains unresolved.
