Yankees "Fully Expect" Comeback Player To Be On Playoff Roster

What seemed highly unlikely several weeks ago, now is about to come to fruition. The New York Yankees will be getting a big boost heading into their postseason matchup with the Cleveland Guardians, with the return of Matt Carpenter. 

"I fully expect that, he looks great. He's been getting all his live ABs, he actually took Nestor deep yesterday"

-Aaron Boone on if Matt Carpenter will be on the ALDS roster pic.twitter.com/0P16nCQ34I

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 9, 2022

Manager Aaron Boone was asked if Carpenter will be on the roster, and responded with "I fully expect that, he looks great. He's been getting all his live ABs, he actually took Nestor deep yesterday. He looks good swinging the bat, so I am expecting that."

Matt Carpenter: “I feel like I’m ready.” He’s been hitting and running bases. Carpenter will get more at-bats and work out at first base today.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) October 9, 2022

Carpenter himself said, “I feel like I’m ready.” He says he doesn't feel limited in any way, and he feels that "I’m able to do what I need to do.”

The 36-year-old has been one of the great comeback stories in recent memory. Hitting below .200 for two straight seasons, it appeared his career might be over after he was left for the scrap heap by both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers within the past year. But the Yankees took a chance on him in late May, and he rewarded them by hitting .305 with a 1.138 OPS in 47 games, with an insane 15 HR and 37 RBIs. 

A fractured left foot on Aug. 8th seemingly ended his fairytale story, but his off-the-field recovery has been just about as remarkable as his comeback on it. Now it appears he'll get a chance to provide some playoff heroics to add to his growing legendary story in the Bronx.