**Yankees Add Rizzo and Stroman to ALCS Roster Against Guardians**

The New York Yankees are on the brink of their first World Series appearance since 2009, needing just four more wins. In preparation for the American League Championship Series facing the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees have included seasoned players Anthony Rizzo and Marcus Stroman in their roster.

Anthony Rizzo, sidelined since September 28 due to fractured fingers on his right hand, makes a surprisingly quick return, being out for just 16 days. Originally, his recovery was projected to take three to four weeks. The veteran first baseman engaged in live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. It remains uncertain if he will start in Game 1, as the Yankees may elect to ease him back into play. During the AL Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, the team used Jon Berti and Oswaldo Cabrera at first base in Rizzo's absence.

Despite Rizzo's challenging season offensively—hitting just .228 with a .637 OPS in 92 games—his defense remains invaluable. Rizzo, a four-time Gold Glove winner, is seen as a significant upgrade at first base compared to Berti, who had no prior professional experience in that position before the postseason, and Cabrera, who had limited starts there.

Marcus Stroman, meanwhile, joins the bullpen after being omitted from the ALDS roster. The right-hander is expected to serve as a long reliever, a vital role given the seven-game ALCS format that includes fewer off-days and could demand additional bullpen depth. Stroman last pitched on September 25, conceding six runs over 3 1/3 innings to the Baltimore Orioles. His recent game time has been sparse, totaling just two appearances and 6 1/3 innings in the past month, with a season-ending ERA of 4.31 over 154 2/3 innings.

Rizzo and Stroman replace rookie Ben Rice and pinch-running specialist Duke Ellis on the ALCS roster, bringing the Yankees to 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Rice did not feature in the ALDS, whereas Ellis made a single appearance as a pinch-runner in Game 4.

The Cleveland Guardians have also made a roster adjustment for the ALCS, swapping infielder Angel Martinez for right-handed pitcher Pedro Avila. Avila bolsters the Guardians' pitching staff, which now includes 13 pitchers. Avila was reliable in the regular season, posting a 3.25 ERA across 50 relief appearances.

With these roster tweaks, both teams gear up for a fiercely contested ALCS as they chase the ultimate prize in baseball.