Yankees tab Jameson Taillon as a Sunday starter against Rays; Gerrit Cole to start tie-break or Wild Card Game

The Yankees had a two-game lead for first place in the Jokers heading into the weekend, but have since lost two games to the Rays. With the Yankees’ inability to clinch (they only need a win to claim one of the wild-card spots), the AL’s wild-card race is going to be close enough to make the game Sunday at Yankee Stadium interesting.

The Yankees will play again after Sunday’s regular season finals – either in a Game 163 tiebreaker for a wild card spot or in the AL Wild Card Game. As such, the Yankees had a choice to make regarding their Sunday pitching plans.

After Saturday’s loss, Yankees coach Aaron Boone said at that point they were unsure who would get the ball on Sunday. Viable options:

After a while, the Yankees officially announced Taillon as a starter.

Taillon recently returned from an ankle injury on Wednesday, but ended up retiring after just 2 1/3 innings as the injury worsened. He apparently felt better quickly, as he kicked off a bullpen session on Friday night.

“He was snappy,” Boone said (via nj.com). “He looks really good. He feels really good. Most importantly, his arm is fine. But the ankle responds. There’s no favor. He lets it tear. His mechanics are really good. solid. just launched was very encouraging. “

Starting Taillon on Sunday, the Yankees will be able to pitch Cole on a regular or extra rest in a tiebreaker or in the AL Wild Card Game. Indeed, Boone made it clear ahead of Sunday’s game that Cole would not be an option as they are saving him for an elimination match situation.

Taillon, 29, is 8-6 with a 4.40 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 138 strikeouts in 141 innings this season, his first after being acquired in a Pirates trade. He has faced the Rays – who will start veteran right-hander Michael Wacha in the regular season finale – twice this season and is 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA.