Projecting Yankees' playoff roster with Aaron Judge back in lineup

The Yankees have confirmed Aaron Judge will return to the lineup on Tuesday after missing over three months with a rib fracture. However, the team faces several pitching challenges with several pitchers coming off the injured list and transitioning to the bullpen. Here is the projected Yankees playoff roster for a best-of-three wild card series against the Boston Red Sox, assuming all pitchers and position players are healthy and available:

Starters (3):

- Right-handed pitchers (RHP) Gerrit Cole and Cam Schlittler

- Left-handed pitcher (LHP) Max Fried

Relievers (9):

- RHPs David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Will Warren, John Schreiber, Michael Fulmer, Clarke Schmidt

- LHPs Brent Headrick, Tim Hill, Ryan Weathers

On the bubble: LHP Carlos Rodon, who may start Game 1 or 2 of an AL Division Series, with Ryan Yarbrough and Yerry de los Santos available as backup options. Will Warren, John Schreiber, and Michael Fulmer are likely to be used in long relief roles, freeing up Yarbrough and de los Santos for later playoff rounds.

Injured pitchers Fernando Cruz, Angel Chivilli, and Kervin Castro are currently unavailable. Analysis suggests that the bullpen roles of Schreiber and Fulmer, who haven't pitched in the majors since mid-2025 and 2023 respectively, will depend on the health of Weathers (flexor strain) and Schmidt (rehab, Tommy John surgery).

The infielders and utility players feature Luis Garcia Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm Jr., George Lombard Jr., Ryan McMahon, Jose Caballero, and Amed Rosario. The bullpen lineup includes Anthony Volpe, Max Schuemann, and Oswaldo Cabrera. Rosario, despite his defensive shortcomings, is likely to be in the lineup due to his success against Red Sox lefty pitching. The final outfield spot could go to rookie Cody Bellinger, veteran Spencer Jones, or emerging talent Spencer Jones, depending on defensive needs.