The Yankees clinched the first AL wild-card spot and home field for next Tuesday’s best-of-three series as Tampa Bay won the AL East. Ryan McMahon could miss the roster if New York carries 13 pitchers, but a platoon with Jose Caballero is likelier.
Boston is the Yankees’ likely, but unconfirmed, opponent. If Boston is the matchup and the series reaches Game 3, New York would face left-handers Ranger Suárez in Game 2 and Payton Tolle in Game 3; McMahon has struggled against lefties. The Yankees aren’t counting on injured Aaron Judge or Trent Grisham being ready.
Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole and Max Fried are projected to start, with Carlos Rodón possibly in the bullpen or left off the roster. If New York carries eight relievers, at least two and possibly three bullpen spots remain. Ryan Weathers may not be available until the Division Series, while Clarke Schmidt is doubtful after a biceps cramp; imaging showed no structural damage, but he had not resumed throwing.
