Yankees "Lock In" Game 4 Starter—Whether Game 5 Needed Or Not

The New York Yankees/Cleveland Guardians ALDS schedule has been messed with due to weather, but that hasn't changed manager Aaron Boone's plans for a Game 4 if it's needed—Gerritt Cole is "locked in" says Boone. That, of course, takes him out of contention to start a possible deciding Game 5 if it's necessary.

Aaron Boone said Gerrit Cole will definitely start Game 4. They will not hold him out for a potential Game 5.

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 14, 2022

Per Yankees mgr Aaron Boone, Gerrit Cole would start a potential Game 4 on regular rest.
Jameson Taillon is “very much in play” in Boone’s bullpen today, not necessarily saving for a Game 5.
Benintendi, Montas & Marinaccio will head to Tampa to continue workouts.

— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) October 14, 2022

It would be his regular rest for Cole for a potential Game 4 on Sunday. 

Cole, who had his troubles down the stretch in the regular season (4.50 ERA in six September/October starts), rebounded to ace form in Game 1 of this series, going 6.1 innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, and striking out eight en route to a 4-1 Yankees victory. 

Nestor Cortes is going in Friday's Game 2 against the Guardian's Justin Bieber, and Luis Severino faces Triston McKenzie in Game 3 on Saturday. Needless to say, with a roster of hurlers like that, runs will be at a premium in this series. 

Boone added that Jameson Taillon is “very much in play” in his bullpen today for Game 3, not necessarily saving him for a Game 5 either.

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports