Yankees Postseason Roster Projection 10 5 Early Takeaways As October Draws Near The Athletic

Yankees' Postseason Roster Projection, 1.0: 5 Early Takeaways as October Draws Near

The New York Yankees are just over two weeks away from the start of the postseason.

With the regular season winding down, it's time to start thinking about the Yankees' roster for the playoffs. New York has a number of key decisions to make, including who will be in the starting rotation, who will play in the outfield, and who will be the backup catcher. Here are five early takeaways from my first Yankees' postseason roster projection:

1. Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 of the ALDS

This is a no-brainer. Cole is the Yankees' ace and he has been dominant all season long. He has a 3.11 ERA, 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 0.92 WHIP. Cole is the best pitcher in the Yankees' rotation and he will be the one to start Game 1 of the ALDS.

2. Nestor Cortes will start Game 2 of the ALDS

Cortes has been a breakout star for the Yankees this season. He has a 2.66 ERA, 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.01 WHIP. Cortes has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Yankees' rotation all season long and he has earned the right to start Game 2 of the ALDS.

3. Luis Severino will start Game 3 of the ALDS

Severino has not been as good as Cole or Cortes this season, but he is still a solid starter. He has a 3.43 ERA, 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.18 WHIP. Severino has the experience of pitching in the playoffs and he will be a valuable asset to the Yankees' rotation.

4. Jameson Taillon will be the fourth starter in the ALDS

Taillon has been a disappointment for the Yankees this season. He has a 4.26 ERA, 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.33 WHIP. However, Taillon has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and he could be a valuable asset to the Yankees' rotation in the playoffs.

5. Domingo German will be the long reliever in the ALDS

German has been a swingman for the Yankees this season. He has started 10 games and made 23 relief appearances. German has a 3.87 ERA, 8.0 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.30 WHIP. German is a versatile pitcher who can fill a variety of roles in the Yankees' bullpen.