Game 5 of the ALDS is less than an hour away from getting started after rain came into New York and caused a postponement.
The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians were both given an opportunity to shuffle their pitching plans for the game just a bit.
While the Guardians are sticking with Aaron Civale, the Yankees decided to let Jameson Taillon rest, giving Nestor Cortes the start on short rest.
But the Yankees may still need to dip into their bullpen early than expected.
Aaron Boone said before the game that the bullpen would play a large role in today’s game as the Yankees try to punch their ticket to the ALCS for the first time since 2019.
Boone said he wants Cortes to “go as hard as he can” and then added that the bullpen would play a large role in today’s game. Cole could “definitely be in play” out of the pen, Boone said.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 18, 2022
Yanks Bullpen Set For Action
With Cortes on short rest, it’s very possible that the Yankees are going to have him on a short leash.
Boone even said that Gerrit Cole would be available out of the bullpen if absolutely necessary.
But the bullpen of the Yankees had been taxed in Games 2, 3 and 4.
The rainout certainly helps them recuperate a little bit and be prepared for some usage in Game 5 this afternoon.
It may end up being a bullpen game for both teams.
The Guardians may end up having Civale on a short leash before potentially turning to Shane Bieber, who is available in relief if need be.
But for the Yankees, the bullpen has been used quite a bit, and we can probably expect for Boone to use it heavily this afternoon.
It mainly depends on how deep Cortes can go.
If he struggles, then the Yankees will obviously need to dip into their bullpen earlier and may be forced to burn through arms such as Jameson Taillon, the originally scheduled Game 5 starter.
NEXT: The Yankees And Guardians Were Ready For A Late Start