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Surprising Yankees ALDS Roster Move Leaves Fans Angry & Confused

Last Updated September 23, 2020 1:06 PM

By Josiah Wilmoth

Yankees fans are upset about Aaron Boone's ALDS roster. | Source: AP Photo / Frank Franklin II

The New York Yankees released their ALDS roster on Friday, and at least one surprising personnel decision has left fans angry and confused.

With 39-year-old CC Sabathia left off the ALDS roster due to a nagging shoulder injury , manager Aaron Boone turned to an unlikely replacement: Tyler Lyons .

Yankees Playoff Roster Includes One Big Surprise

Who is Tyler Lyons?

You’re not the only one with that question; bewildered Yankees fans have been asking it on Twitter all morning.

https://twitter.com/Diehard_NYY_Fan/status/1180144611790069761

Why the fuck is Tyler Lyons on the roster matter fact, why tf are Cessa and Johnathan Loaisiga there too?!!! #NextManUp

— Chukii (@JustChukii) October 4, 2019

The 31-year-old Lyons didn’t even join the Yankees until Aug. 15. New York signed the lefty specialist to a minor league contract shortly after he was let go by the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished dead last in the NL Central with a 69-93 record.

During the 2019 season, Lyons pitched just 12.2 innings across 14 games, earning a 1-2 record and a 6.39 ERA. He also recorded 17 strikeouts, bringing his career total to 289.

That was apparently enough to earn him a playoff roster spot with baseball’s most storied organization, though some Yankees fans disagree.

Tyler Lyons had an 8.64 ERA in 2018 for the Cardinals.

Tyler Lyons had an 11.25 ERA in 2019 for the Pirates, and was released on August 11.

Tyler Lyons is now on the playoff roster of a 103-win team.

— Joe Sheehan (@joe_sheehan) October 4, 2019

Mike Ford Left Off ALDS Roster

Yankees fans were particularly irate that Tyler Lyons earned an ALDS roster spot while fan-favorite Mike Ford – a former undrafted free agent whose improbable road to the major leagues was emblematic of the Yankees’ “plucky underdog story ” – did not.

I have to admit I would have rather seen Mike Ford on the roster than Tyler Lyons. He can probably pitch better too. ?

— Christie Dietrich (@LoveU2muchRStar) October 4, 2019

Where is Mike Ford and why is Tyler Lyons on this???? #yankees #playoffs #postseason #ALDS https://t.co/XtQiQYFFno

— the season is over (@RumorsYankees) October 4, 2019

Lyons??? and Mike Ford got snubbed smh https://t.co/lzEccZ55D3

— Morgan (@sportslesbean) October 4, 2019

Ford, a 27-year-old rookie, hit .259 in 143 big-league at-bats. He appeared in 50 games, bashing 12 home runs and recording 25 RBIs.

He also made his pitching debut during a blowout loss against the Cleveland Indians, giving up 6 hits and 5 runs against 1 strikeout in two innings of relief work.

Twins vs. Yankees ALDS Schedule

Tyler Lyons and the Mike Ford-less New York Yankees will square off against the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS beginning tonight, Oct. 4.

The first game in the best-of-five series will start at 7:07 pm ET and will be broadcast on the MLB Network.