New York Yankees: Four sleeper candidates to make the Opening Day roster

LHP Tyler Lyons

Lyons is another guy who’s not on the 40-man roster that’s making a push for one of the final roster spots. The 32-year-old southpaw was acquired by the Yankees last September and he pitched well enough to earn a spot on the postseason roster in the ALDS and ALCS. In October he got out all five hitters he faced and struck out four in 1.2 IP.

This spring he’s made four appearances and hasn’t allowed a run in 3.1 IP. He’s allowed one hit, one walk and struck out five. Lyons has been a left-handed specialist throughout his career holding lefty hitters to a career .208 BA and a .344 SLG %. The Yankees already have Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman, two of the best lefty relievers the game has ever seen, but those guys have power stuff while Lyons relies on deception and a lot of breaking balls.

Lyons could provide a different look in relief however, one thing that could affect his chances of making the team is the new rule change MLB is enforcing this season. Unless they finish an inning every reliever is required to face at least three hitters. Lyons isn’t someone the Yankees want facing righties too often which could definitely limit his role if he were to make the team.

Veteran Luis Avilan is another left-handed non-roster-invitee on the same boat who’s also pitched well this spring. Both are already at a disadvantage not being on the 40-man but its the rule change that could be what prevents one of them from making the team.

If Lyons or another non-roster invitee doesn’t make the team expect one of the final spots in the pen to go to either Jonathan Holder or Ben Heller.