If you’ve been entertained by the MLB playoffs thus far, the fun is just getting started. With three of the four participants already decided, the League Championship Series in both the National League and American League are almost upon us and should be thrilling.
Of course, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes in addition to what we’re seeing on the field. Let’s catch up on the top stories in the baseball world from the past few days.
Coming Back?
The Yankees had no problem disposing of the Twins in three games in the American League Division Series, yet they are considering a couple of roster changes for the ALCS. Nothing is certain yet, but both Aaron Hicks and CC Sabathia could be added to the playoff roster in between series.
Hicks has been out since early August because of a flexor strain in his right elbow. However, Hicks has pronounced himself fit to play, though the Yankees haven’t decided whether to make the change.
It’s a similar situation with Sabathia, who was absent from the ALDS roster after a flare-up of his chronic knee problems late in the season. Sabathia, who will retire at the end of the season, threw a bullpen session on Wednesday in hopes of convincing the team that he’s ready to go and capable of helping the team, but no decision has been made yet.
Good to Go
The Yankees had a couple of injury scares during their ALDS win, but it appears that there’s nothing to worry about. First, Zack Britton left Game 3 of the ALDS with an apparent ankle injury.
Closer Aroldis Chapman then hurt his hand during the team’s celebration after eliminating the Twins. He was seen in the locker room with a bandage on his left hand amidst the champaign shower, saying he got hit with a bottle.
However, the Yankees have declared that both Britton and Chapman are fine and will be ready for the start of the ALCS on Saturday.
One More Year
The Twins may have been eliminated in the ALDS, but they are hoping to return to the postseason next year and are moving to lock up an important piece of the puzzle. According to reports, the Twins plan to exercise their $12 million option on Nelson Cruz for the 2020 season.
Cruz hit .311 with 41 home runs and 108 RBI this season, leading one of the most potent lineups in baseball. The 39-year-old will continue to anchor Minnesota’s lineup from the designated hitter spot amidst a slew of young, up-and-coming players.
Calling It Quits
After the Braves were knocked out of the playoffs on Wednesday, veteran catcher Brian McCann announced that he’s calling it a career. After 15 seasons in the majors, the 35-year-old McCann is retiring.
He said he decided in August that this would be his last season. Fittingly, McCann was able to spend his final season in Atlanta, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career.
He also spent this season under manager Brian Snitker, who was McCann’s manager in Double-A when he first got called up to the majors in 2005. McCann finishes his career with a .262 average and 282 home runs.
