Yankees reveal World Series roster with one notable change after ALCS flop

The New York Yankees' World Series roster is here as the showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers looms. Game 1 is set for 8:08 p.m. ET on Friday night at Dodger Stadium and the Bombers are largely going with the same group from the ALCS.

There's one big difference though. As expected, after he responded well to multiple bullpen sessions, Nestor Cortes will be active despite dealing with a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. Manager Aaron Boone reiterated that he'd probably be ready to go earlier this week.

That meant there'd be one casualty on the position player side, many of whom believed would be Trent Grisham. The Yankees already have Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo in the outfield with spark plug Jasson Dominguez coming off the bench if needed. But the Yankees haven't even required a fourth outfielder after running out the same configuration during the ALDS and ALCS.

Apparently, the team was not swayed by Jon Berti's performance against the Cleveland Guardians, which led to his exclusion and Grisham's inclusion. Still, though, Grisham hasn't played at all. Berti's at least been available to provide defensive flexibility and speed.

Whatever the case, it looks like we will see more of Anthony Rizzo and Oswaldo Cabrera against the Dodgers, which was preferred among fans anyway.

Yankees reveal 2024 World Series roster: Nestor Cortes in, Jon Berti out

Berti's two defensive miscues in ALCS Game 3 along with a horrid performance at the plate (including a double-play ball that kept the Yankees from scoring more runs) likely did him in. He's also barely been around in 2024 due to a calf injury that knocked him out for over three months, so it's not like this is a monumental loss.

Still, he was acquired to be a helpful late-innings presence as a defensive replacement or pinch runner. That would've been nice to have. Though Cabrera represents that type of player, he might get more time on the field that many are expecting. And Dominguez can't provide the defensive versatility Berti can.

In the end, the Yankees went with 13 pitchers and have an incredible edge over the Dodgers in the starting rotation department. That advantage will only present itself if those arms can go fairly deep into games, otherwise Boone will be forced to burn his bullpen or turn to less desired length options (Marcus Stroman).

The Dodgers did some pitching shuffling of their own but to a much more drastic degree, so the Yankees will hopefully get their bats going early to keep Dave Roberts flustered.