The A’s have just one starting pitcher on their 25-man roster for the must-win game as they go all-in on using relievers to beat the Yankees.
NEW YORK (AP) — Edwin Jackson is the only starting pitcher included on the Oakland Athletics’ roster for their AL wild-card game against the New York Yankees.
Right-hander Liam Hendriks will be on the mound for the start of Wednesday night’s game, and A’s manager Bob Melvin would not say who will follow.
His bullpen includes just one left-hander, Ryan Buchter. The righties in addition to Jackson are closer Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, Jeurys Familia, Shawn Kelley, Emilio Pagan, Yusmeiro Petit, Fernando Rodney and J. B. Wendelken.
Mike Fiers, among Oakland’s few healthy starting pitchers, was left off and if the A’s advance would be in position to start an AL Division Series opener at Boston on Friday. When the A’s had him make his first relief appearance of the season, on Friday at the Los Angeles Angels, Fiers replaced Trivino in the second and allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings.
Teams may change rosters after each round.
First baseman Greg Bird was left off the Yankees’ roster following a season-long slump, and right-hander Jonathan Holder was picked for the 10th and final pitching spot over left-hander Stephen Tarpley.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone carried three backup catchers, including Kyle Higashioka in addition to starter Gary Sanchez and backup Austin Romine.
Backup infielders include Neil Walker, Adeiny Hechavarria and Tyler Wade.
