Ryan Weathers could play massive role out of bullpen for Yankees in ALDS

ST.PETERSBURG, Fla.

— “The competitor” in Ryan Weathers did not want to throw live batting practice Monday night at Yankee Stadium because he knew it would mean not being on the roster for the AL wild-card series. Four days later, though, the left-hander was glad he did, because after with the Yankees advanced to in the ALDS, Weathers has a strong chance not only to join the roster but also to pitch more often now that he is slightly more built up after coming back from a left forearm flexor strain late in the regular season.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.“I needed that second live just to sharpen up a little bit more,” Weathers said Friday at Tropicana Field before the Yankees worked out.

“I feel super healthy enough to be on [the roster].We’ll see where it lands [Saturday].” Aaron Boone was not yet ready to commit to Weathers being on the roster — or any roster decisions, for that matter — though the manager said earlier in the week that the lefty could play a “massive role” out of the bullpen moving forward. If Weathers had been included on the wild-card roster, he might have been able to throw only one inning the entire series, even if it went to three games.

Now, after getting a second live batting practice (on Monday) and an additional bullpen session (on Wednesday) under his belt, he could be in a position to pitch more often in the ALDS, especially with off days after Games 1, 2 and 4. “Hopefully I can be available for a few games of this series,” he said. Boone indicated the Yankees were debating carrying 10, 11 or 12 pitchers.That could mean Weathers becoming the 11th pitcher or potentially replacing another lefty in Ryan Yarbrough, though Yarbrough’s length could be valuable, especially with Carlos Rodón no longer expected to be an option out of the bullpen now that he is set to start Game 3 or 4. The Ya...