As the Yankees worked out on Tuesday at the Stadium, Game 1 of the Orioles-Royals wild-card series was playing on the video board.
But Aaron Boone insisted he did not have a rooting interest, even privately, for which one of them advances to the ALDS to face the Yankees beginning Saturday.
“I’m always careful what you wish for,” the manager said Tuesday before the Yankees workout. “I tell that to coaches all the time. We may be in June watching a game and you’re watching a division rival play another team and you’re pulling for another team, I’m like, ‘Hey, careful what you wish for. That team may knock us out.’ So I’m always like, ‘Let it play out, we’ll prepare as best we can for whoever comes our way.’ ”
The Royals won Game 1 at Camden Yards in a 1-0 nail-biter.
Boone likely would not mind the two teams beating up on each other for three games and tiring each other’s pitching staffs before one of them arrives at Yankee Stadium.
For better or worse, the Yankees have much more familiarity with the Orioles, their AL East foes against whom they went 5-8 this season. Conversely, they went 5-2 against the Royals.
In the meantime, the Yankees were trying to stay focused on taking advantage of the time off. Tuesday’s workout was mainly about fundamentals, including infield/outfield defense, pitchers’ fielding practice and batting practice.
Gerrit Cole, who is set to start Game 1, also threw an inning of live batting practice against Jose Trevino, Ben Rice and Jon Berti.
Anthony Rizzo (fractured fingers) was still wearing a brace on his right hand Tuesday, with Boone saying the veteran first baseman would likely not try any baseball activities until later in the week.
Taking ground balls at first base Tuesday, with Rizzo watching and giving pointers, were Oswaldo Cabrera, Rice and Berti.
Aside from the question of whether Rizzo can make the roster (Boone has called him a “long shot” for the ALDS), the Yankees are still deciding on the final few pitchers they will carry and possibly the last bench spot, depending on whether they go 13 pitchers/13 position players or 12 and 14.
Jake Cousins (strained pec) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and if he comes out of it well will face hitters on Thursday, keeping him on track to come off the IL for the ALDS.