NY Yankees lineup, roster projections for 2022 playoffs

Yankees clinched the AL East with a 5-2 victory over the Blue Jays in Toronto. Manager Aaron Boone hopes to prepare a postseason strategy over next week.

Montas is recovering from shoulder inflammation. Montas will start throwing on flat ground this week. If Monta is unavailable, Boone will have to choose a fourth starter. Cortes has been the Yankees’ best and most consistent starter all season. Cole is paid $36 million a year to set the winning tone in the postseason.

Clarke Schmidt, Zack Britton and Miguel Castro are on the bubble.

Aroldis Chapman, Greg Weissert, Albert Abreu, Stephen Ridings and Greg Abresu don't make the cut.

Boone has taken a stronger relief corps into the postseason than this one. Peralta is the only left-handed pitcher. Schmidt is not sharp in the second half. Britton is back from Tommy John surgery. Chapman is out of the picture. Weissert is an insurance option. Castro hasn't pitched in second part of season due to shoulder strain.

Carpenter has been out since Aug. 9 with a fractured left foot. If he makes the cut, he could provide a significant left-handed presence in reserve for Stanton. Cabrera has become a good outfielder and could start over Carpenter. Benintendi is out until September 3 with hamate bone fracture.

Peraza has been a bench player for the last few seasons. LeMahieu is injured and could be out until the weekend.

Boone has preferred Judge in the leadoff spot. September has been Torres' best month. Donaldson is having an inconsistent season. Stanton is capable of going cold in a postseason series.