Inside The Pinstripes

Aaron Boone Shares Why Yankees Left Speedy Utility Man Off World Series Roster

Manager Aaron Boone shared why the New York Yankees surprisingly left their speedy utility man off the World Series roster.

Pat Ragazzo

Sep 12, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pinch runner Jon Berti (19) slides safely into home plate on the game winning hit by New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (not pictured) against the Boston Red Sox during the tenth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pinch runner Jon Berti (19) slides safely into home plate on the game winning hit by New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (not pictured) against the Boston Red Sox during the tenth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
In this story:

The New York Yankees gained one key piece back on their World Series roster, but lost a valuable veteran bench option.

Left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes has impressively returned from a flexor tendon strain in his elbow, suffered only a month ago. However, utility man Jon Berti did not make the cut, which ultimately turned out to be due to an injury.

As Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed to reporters on Friday prior to Game 1 of the World Series, Berti injured his hip flexor while scoring a run on October 18 in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians.

Per Boone, the team was hoping Berti would have enough time to be ready for the Fall Classic, but that did not wind up being the case.

"That's a blow for us. I feel like he plays a really important role for us," Boone said of Berti.

Berti split time with Oswaldo Cabrera at first base in the ALDS while Anthony Rizzo was sidelined due to two finger fractures on his right hand.

Berti started three games at first base for the Yankees in the postseason, going 2-for-11 at the plate with a run scored.

With the return of Rizzo, Berti is not needed in the starting lineup. However, Berti's value comes from his legs as a speedy pinch-runner late in games.

Without having Berti available, promising outfielder Jasson Dominguez could be the Yankees' main pinch-running option given his speed.

The Yankees ultimately chose to go with 13 pitchers and 13 position players on their World Series roster.

The Bronx Bombers will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers as they seek their first title since 2009.

Published
Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.

Home/News