On Sunday, the MLB’s roster will expand to 40 men. Who will the Yankees call-up? Will they call up the maximum 40? We predict who will be in the Bronx for the final month of the regular season.
For the final time, the MLB will allow teams to carry 40 men on their active roster for the month of September. The league will limit the September roster to 28 men starting in 2020. For 2019 however, the Yankees are among the team’s that will benefit most from the 40 man September roster.
With the American League East all but wrapped up and many players either playing through or attempting to return from injury September will be a chance for Aaron Boone to provide rest for many key players as the team gets ready for the postseason.
Thus, it is likely the Yankees will use every spot throughout September. Who will they call up? We predict each move here.
Activated From IL: 7
- 1B Luke Voit
- OF Giancarlo Stanton
- SP Luis Severino
- RP Dellin Betances
- 1B Edwin Encarnacion
- OF Aaron Hicks
- INF Thario Estrada
Unfortunately for minor leaguers hoping to get the call for September a lot of spots will likely be saved for players returning from injury. There’s a chance first basemen Luke Voit is activated just prior to September first so in that case, one more spot would open up but outside of that there’s probably a lot of seats to be saved.
All-star pitchers Luis Severino and Dellin Betances are both on track to make their season debuts during the month of September as they prepare for October. Former MVP Giancarlo Stanton and sluggers Edwin Encarnacion and Aaron Hicks are also expected back at some point during the month. Finally, young utility man Thario Estrada is also returning from a minor injury and will likely be added on September first.
MILB Call-Ups: 8
- OF Clint Fraizer
- OF Terrance Gore
- RP Ryan Dull
- RP Jonathan Loaisiga
- RP Chance Adams
- RP Adonis Rosa
- RP David Hernandez
- C Kyle Higashioka
The biggest advantage of a 40 man roster is carrying a lot of relievers. For a team like the Yankees that loves to go their bullpen September is perfect. Aaron Boone will have the chance to call-up several relievers.
Frequent Scranton shuttle riders Jonathan Loaisiga and Chance Adams are almost a lock to be called up. Wavier acquisitions Ryan Dull and David Hernandez will also likely get the call along with 40-man roster member Adonis Rosa who shined in his MLB debut earlier this month.
As for bench depth, September will likely finally be the time Clint Fraizer returns to the Bronx as he can provide important days off for Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner throughout the month. The Yankees will also likely bring up speedster Terrance Gore who was claimed off waivers to be the Yankees September and possibly October pinch-runner. Finally, expect the team to bring back catcher Kyle Higashioka as it’s common to carry three catchers in September.