Yankees: Three players Aaron Boone would leave out of the playoffs roster

The New York Yankees are masters of their own destiny in this final stretch of the regular season of MLB as first-place holders of the American League Wild Card after sweeping the Red Sox away and a winning streak that has them nowhere near securing the postseason. However, only here the problems begin, as manager Aaron Boone will have to determine which group of players will play the fateful game for the Wild Card.

The reality is that Aaron Boone has had to juggle this season due to the large number of absences and injuries they have had throughout the year, and to build his roster of 26 players heading to the game for the Wild Card, he would have to throw “all meat on the grill “if they want to continue advancing in the postseason.

Although there have been players who have been key in key moments of the Yankees season, not all of them will be able to go to the Playoffs, and there are at least three that could be “cut” from the roster of 26:

1. Andrew Velázquez: Velázquez has been the sensation this year for the New York Yankees as the local Bronx-born kid who plays for the franchise. Velazquez did it decently in his short 26-game stint on the big team, although offense wasn’t his strong suit, hitting .236 and striking out 21 times out of 65 plate appearances. With Rougned Odor, DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres healthy, Velázquez would not have a place.
2. DJ LeMahieu: LeMahieu has been a stronghold for the New York Yankees since he arrived and is a true workhorse, proof of this is that despite having a groin injury that could require surgery, he has continued to play with everything and pain. However, there is the possibility that the infielder’s injury will escalate and he may be sidelined at the most pressing time of the season. Boone and his crew hold their breath and hope DJ can hold out.
3. Albert Abreu: The Dominican has come from the bullpen of the big team at specific moments of the season in 2021, when the pitching staff was completely depleted by injuries. However, already in the minor leagues and with a 5.25 ERA in 36 innings pitched, unless an emergency occurs, Boone is unlikely to require it.