The 2024 World Series between Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers start Friday and the manager Aaron Boone, along with some players, spoke to the media about various topics, including roster, injuries and more.
Why Jon Berti is not on the World Series roster
When the Yankees released its World Series roster On Friday, Berti’s exclusion was surprising. He is an important part of the infield depth and adds much-needed speed off the bench.
Speculation swirled around the decision, but Boone confirmed that Berti was not on the roster due to a hip flexor injury he suffered in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians from Cleveland.
“He got hurt in Game 4 scoring that point. He wasn’t going to be available in Game 5 and he was hoping to pass,” Boone said. “Unfortunately he didn’t have time to be ready. It’s a big blow for us, he plays a really important role for us.”
Berti appeared in four games between the ALDS and ALCS, going 2 for 11 with a walk, but his absence makes the Yankees less of a threat to steal bases.
Plan for Nestor Cortés out of the bullpen
Berti’s absence allowed Cortes to rejoin the team. The left-hander won’t be a starter in the World Series, but he is able to give the Yankees a left-handed option out of the bullpen. Cortes and Boone talked about the left-hander’s role before the first game.
“Lefty-lefty matchups are going to be the best avenues for me,” Cortes said of using him out of the bullpen. “I think one inning is what we’re looking for, it could be two ups where I face someone with two outs and come back for another hit or two.”
Cortes hasn’t pitched since Sept. 18 after suffering a UCL injury. The 29-year-old rehabbed his elbow, but the Yankees felt it was best for him to miss the ALDS and ALCS so they could rehab it further. Now that he’s gone through weeks of prep and bullpen trouble-free, he and the team are ready to use him in the Fall Classic.
“I am ready to face whatever is necessary,” Cortes said. “Once I get on the field and throw my first pitch, all the nerves will go away and the excitement will kick in.”
“At the end of the day, I want to protect him and make sure he’s in a good position,” Boone said of Cortes. “We will see from day to day where he is and how he is doing.”
Boone added that it’s too early to tell if Cortes is available on back-to-back days. The Yankees also Tim Hill And Tim Mayza as left-handed options out of the bullpen.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s playoff struggles
The Yankees made it to the World Series without their big offensive trade acquisition providing much offense in the postseason. The Yankees third baseman is 5-for-34 with a home run and an RBI.
Despite his struggles, Boone isn’t worried about Jazz and can see him breaking out in this series.
“What gives me confidence is how good and talented he is,” the Yankees captain said. “He’s a guy who plays with a lot of confidence. He expects to do very well even if he goes through it a little bit.
“The biggest thing about him is that less is more in these situations, especially with his talent. It’s one of those where he has a good at-bat, he’s the type of guy that has that ability to take over with his power and speed. Right now, I want him to think less is more and not worry about taking over games.”
Chisholm hits hole #5 behind Giancarlo Stanton in game 1.
