{
  "id": 11556025,
  "title": "How these 7 Yankees homegrown players can impact ALDS vs Rays",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/how-these-7-yankees-homegrown-players-can-impact-alds-vs-rays",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T23:40:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/home-grown-yankees-impact-al-234002431.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seven homegrown players from the New York Yankees are poised to make an impact in the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Tampa Bay Rays. St. Petersburg, Florida – The Wild Card Series victories over the Red Sox showcased the impressive development of these young Yankees.\n\nFirst to highlight: Cam Schlittler, the 7th round draft pick from 2022, will start Game 2 of the ALDS in Toronto. With a 1.16 ERA in 17 road starts, Schlittler has proven his mettle in high-pressure situations. His presence could provide a crucial edge for the Yankees, who have already tasted postseason success in the series.\n\nSpencer Jones, the 25-year-old 1st round pick from 2022, has shown flashes of brilliance in the postseason. Despite playing primarily as a center fielder, Jones' ability to shift to right field has proven valuable. In the Wild Card Series, he went 2-for-8 with a walk and four strikeouts.\n\nAnother player who can make a difference is Ben Rice, a 27-year-old drafted in the 12th round in 2021. Rice's power hitting has been on full display, with two homers and four hits in the Wild Card Series. As the designated hitter, Rice is expected to continue leading off against right-handed starters.\n\nCam Schlittler (25), a 7th round pick from 2022, will take the mound for Game 2 of the ALDS. His ability to handle adversity and his impressive 1.16 ERA in 17 road starts make him a formidable opponent for the Rays' lineup.\n\nAnthony Volpe (25), also a 2022 draft pick, has shown versatility on defense, playing multiple positions including second base and third base. His 2-for-3 performance against the Rays in Game 2 could see him utilized later in games for his infield versatility and as a pinch-runner.\n\nLastly, Austin Wells, the 27-year-old 1st round pick from 2020, has proven his value behind the plate and his knack for handling pressure situations. Wells' role as a defensive anchor and his ability to limit walks will be crucial in containing the Rays' aggressive batting lineup.",
  "summary": "Ben Rice, Cam Schlittler and George Lombard Jr. are among the Yankees' drafted players who will be leaned on during the AL Division Series against Tampa Bay.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Yankees give Aaron Judge injury update ahead of ALDS",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/yankees-give-aaron-judge-injury-update-ahead-of-alds",
        "published": "2026-10-02T19:27:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}