Yankees exploit rain delay with pitching change for Game 5

The New York Yankees will take advantage of Monday’s rain delay by starting Nestor Cortes on three days rest against the Guardians in Game 5.

As soon as the rain delay began on Monday night in New York, people on Twitter speculated the Yankees were going to gain an advantage by shifting the game to Tuesday.

Before the end of the night, the game was indeed pushed back a day and the Yankees were running with their opportunity to upgrade on the mound.

Instead of Jameson Taillon, who was scheduled to start on Monday, New York will send out Nestor Cortes on Tuesday.

Yankees exploit rain delay with pitching change for Game 5

Taillon had a rough outing in his earlier appearance against the Guardians. He came in to pitch the top of the 10th in Game 2 and melted down. He gave up two doubles and a single while allowing two runs to score before being pulled.

He might have had the chance to redeem himself on Monday but it’s clear Aaron Boone didn’t have the greatest faith in him surviving the elimination game. Instead, Cortes will get the responsibility after pitching five innings in Game 2 while allowing two runs.

The delay will benefit the Yankees in more than just their selection of a starting pitcher. Their bullpen will get an extra day of rest while ace Gerrit Cole could even be available in a pinch.

On the other side, Cleveland is expected to go forward with Aaron Civale on Tuesday. However, they have not officially announced a starter, so Shane Bieber may still be an option. He got the win on Friday going opposite Cortes.

Tuesday’s all-or-nothing game is for the right to face the Astros in the ALCS. That series will begin on Wednesday in Houston so celebrations for the winning side will have to be pretty short