In case you missed it, Gio Urshela went on the IL, while the Yankees got back their big, strong first baseman, Luke Voit. Voit has been on the IL with a sports hernia since the end of July, and he raked in his rehab stint with Scranton.
Will that mean he hits the ground running (or jogging around the bases)? Perhaps not, but he was given ample time to recover and has ample time to get his swing in shape for October.
That’s what the season basically is at this point: An extended preparation for the ALDS. With an 11-game lead in the division, all the Yankees have to worry about is health, followed by homefield advantage. The latter is tight at the moment, but the team would surely trade a home game for a full roster. Voit is a step in the right direction, provided Urshela’s groin strain doesn’t keep him out too long.
To the lineups for the series opener:
Athletics (77-56)
- Marcus Semien, SS
- Matt Chapman, 3B
- Matt Olson, 1B
- Mark Canha, CF
- Chad Pinder, RF
- Josh Phegley, C
- Jurickson Profar, 2B
- Sheldon Neuse, DH (Debut)
- Robbie Grossman, LF
LHP Brett Anderson
Yankees (88-47)
- DJ LeMahieu, 3B
- Aaron Judge, RF
- Gleyber Torres, 2B
- Didi Gregorius, SS
- Gary Sanchez, DH
- Luke Voit, 1B
- Brett Gardner, CF
- Austin Romine, C
- Mike Tauchman, LF
LHP CC Sabathia
News & Notes
- The Yankees believe Urshela should be off the IL right around the 10-day mark, which is Sept. 8.
- Jordan Montgomery makes his second rehab start tonight, this time with Scranton
Tonight’s game starts at 7:05 p.m. and is on YES and MLB Network for those out of market. The weather is supposed to be in the low 80s and clear for the game. Enjoy!