MLB

Yankees likely will start J.A. Happ in Game 3 — if needed

If the Yankees and Indians play a deciding Game 3 on Thursday night Aaron Boone said J.A. Happ is the Yankees’ likely starter.

“Looking like it will be Happ. We are a long ways away and a lot can happen between now and then,’’ Boone said before the Yankees’ 12-3 blowout win over the Indians in Game 1. “Not necessarily committing to anything but if everything stays on plan it will probably be J.A. Happ.’’

Happ, 37, has pitched in 14 postseason games (four starts) and is 1-3 with a 5.04 ERA. He was 2-2 with a 3.47 ERA in nine starts this season.

The other choice would be neophyte right-hander Deivi Garcia, who made his major league debut this year and went 3-2 with a 4.98 ERA in six starts. The 21-year-old is part of the Yankees’ 13-man pitching roster for the series against the Indians.

J.A. Happ
J.A. HappGetty Images

Jordan Montgomery is part of the Yankees’ 13-man pitching staff for the series and could find himself pitching in relief. Should the Yankees advance to the best-of-five ALDS, with no day off the left-hander could make a start.

“He could end up in a lot of roles. Obviously someone who can give us length. … You get into an extra-innings situation or a situation you needed a big inning from somebody or got into a situation where you needed to get a lot of length he can provide that obviously,’’ Boone said of Montgomery, who started 10 games this season and went 2-3 with a 5.11 ERA.. “So, I think his role is very fluid. We will see how it unfolds.’’


The Yankees chose lefty-swinging Mike Ford over Miguel Andujar for a spot on the 28-man wild-card series roster.

Both players had miserable regular seasons, but Ford’s left-handed bat helped his cause, Boone said before the game.

Boone said they considered Andujar — who wound up in the 12-player pool that the Yankees can add from if they advance — as well as others before opting to go with 13 pitchers, as well as three catchers.