Marcus Stroman left Yankees' ALDS roster: Pitcher misses first round of playoffs after ugly end to season

Ahead of their postseason matchup with the Kansas City Royals beginning Saturday in the Bronx, the New York Yankees have released their 26-man roster for the best-of-five American League Division Series. The biggest surprise was right-handed starter Marcus Stroman being left off the Yankees' ALDS roster.

Each ALDS schedule includes two off days, allowing the Yankees to go with a smaller-by-current-standards 11-man pitching staff. That pair of off days means the Yankees and other ALDS participants can go with a three-man rotation. This consideration led to Strowman being dropped, largely in favor of speedster and pinch-hitting specialist Duke Ellis.

During the regular season, the 33-year-old Stroman was a rotation fixture for the Yankees on their way to the AL East title. Across 29 starts and one relief appearance, Stroman has pitched to a 4.31 ERA and a 95 ERA+ in 154 2/3 innings with 113 strikeouts and 60 unintended walks. Those are adequate numbers overall, but Stroman's performance has been lacking since June — he has a 5.70 ERA since the start of June — and that likely informed the Yankees' decision to a large degree. If the Yankees advance to the best-of-seven American League Championship Series, Stroman could be rostered at that point if he chooses.

Note that Stroman, who is in his first season with the Yankees, is owed $18.5 million for 2025 and has an $18 million option in his contract for 2026 that will automatically vest if he reaches 140 innings next season.

Against the Royals, the Yankees will return to Gerrit Cole for Saturday's series opener. Carlos Rodon is expected to start Game 2 and either Luis Gill or Clark Schmidt will start Game 3. Michael Wacha will be the Royals on Saturday.