Yankees drop AL Wild Card Game roster with one massive surprise

Bet you didn’t know the New York Yankees could (or were going to) do this, but they did! And they are ready for the AL Wild Card Game against the Boston Red Sox.

On late Tuesday morning, the Bombers dropped their roster for the one-game playoff at Fenway Park and one name took fans by surprise … in a very good way.

In fact, he was the guy during the middle of the summer that fans were lobbying to get more playing time over Brett Gardner because of his left-handed bat (he’s a switch-hitter), solid outfield defense and versatility, and speed on the base paths.

Now, the Yankees have two capable pinch runners to turn to later in the game should they have to do so.

Outfielder Greg Allen has earned a spot on the Yankees’ WC roster since the team can be selective with the pitchers they bring to Boston.

Once an afterthought because the team buried him at Triple-A, Allen now has the opportunity to make an impact against the hated Red Sox.

The Yankees surprised everybody by including Greg Allen on the ALWC roster.

If fans wanted another reason to celebrate, the corresponding moves also included Andrew Heaney being designated for assignment.

The usual suspects are here, but DJ LeMahieu’s injury freeing up a spot in addition to the majority of the starting rotation not having to make the trip made it possible for Allen (and catcher Rob Brantly!) to get the nod. You simply never know when you might need a third catcher.

Allen, for what it’s worth, was scorching in September, slashing .347/.467/.449 in the month and going 15-for-15 on stolen bases over his final 13 games. That…that could play, especially if Tyler Wade needs to enter earlier than anticipated in lieu of Gio Urshela.

As for the pitching staff, Nestor Cortes will be available if need be, should manager Aaron Boone prefer to use a lefty out of the pen that can provide multiple innings of work. He hasn’t pitched since Friday, so he’s well-rested. Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.

The only remaining question is what the lineup will look like. Will Gio Urshela start at shortstop or third base after his scary fall against the Rays on Sunday that no doubt has him a bit banged up? That would open up another discussion in regard to Andrew Velazquez or Rougned Odor. Will Squid start at short if Gio is put at third? Or will Odor start at third if Gio is at short?

You can surely pencil in Brett Gardner for outfield work, meaning Giancarlo Stanton will be your DH.

Let’s avoid any more “questions” though, shall we? Chase Nathan Eovaldi. Quality start from Cole. Minimal bullpen usage. Win. Make Boston cry.

Yankees: Projecting NYY lineup for Wild Card clash with Red Sox

The New York Yankees will have to put together an A lineup against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park Tuesday night without DJ LeMahieu.