The Yankees lost 8-3 to the Astros at home in Thursday's Game 4 of the ALCS, falling down 3-1 in the series. They will try to keep their season alive in Game 5 on Friday at 7:08 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees notes

The Yankees lost to the Astros 8-3 on Thursday night, and now trail 3-1 in the ALCS. Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka wasn't his best during Game 4, allowing a three-run homer to George Springer in the third inning. Relief pitcher Chad Green came in for Tanaka in the sixth inning, and gave up a three-run home run to Carlos Correa that made the score 6-1.

For 11 seasons, CC Sabathia was the consummate workhorse for the Yankees. He averaged more than 173 innings pitched over those 11 seasons -- even including 2014, when a right knee injury limited him to just 46 innings on the mound.

That same knee hampered him for the remainder of his career -- including this season, when inflammation sent him to the injured list three separate times. On Thursday, that storied career came to an end, albeit because of a different ailment.

Sabathia was diagnosed with a subluxation of his left shoulder joint, which he suffered while pitching to Aledmys Diaz in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the ALCS. True to form, Sabathia actually threw three more pitches with, in layman's terms, a partially dislocated shoulder before finally succumbing to the pain and taking himself off the mound. 

Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton will return to the starting lineup for Game 5 of the ALCS against the Astros. Stanton has been out since Game 1 of the ALCS when he injured his quad.

He will DH and bat fourth in the Yankees lineup for Game 5, while Edwin Encarnacion will be on the bench.

Prior to Game 4 on Thursday night, Stanton was seen attempting to run bases during warm-ups. However, his strained quad prevented him from playing in the game.

CC Sabathia walked off the mound Thursday night for what was in all likelihood the final time after departing with a left shoulder injury. 

Throughout the night, praise poured in on social media from across the baseball world as former teammates, opponents and managers paid respect to the left-hander, who won 251 games in his MLB career. 

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia has been diagnosed with a subluxation of the left shoulder joint and has been removed from the ALCS roster, the team announced Friday. 

He will be replaced by Ben Heller, who will be in the bullpen for Game 5 on Friday. Sabathia was injured in Thursday night's Game 4 loss to the Astros.

While teams can replace a player on their series roster due to injury, MLB rules stipulate that that player cannot be added back to the roster for the next series. This, of course, means that even if the Yankees were to mount an ALCS comeback and get to the World Series, Sabathia wouldn't be a part of it. The severity of the 39-year-old's injury likely would have prevented him from pitching any further regardless.

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Injuries finally catching up

All year, the Yankees have overcome injuries. This became a point of pride for the team, and even spawned the Aaron Boone motivational phase "next man up."

But the missed time finally appears to be catching up to the offense, in a number of ways. Edwin Encarnacion, Gary Sanchez and Aaron Hicks -- a full third of the lineup -- missed significant time late in the season, and do not appear sharp.

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Two years ago the Yankees owned the Astros in the Bronx portion of the ALCS, dominating a team that seemed to be unnerved by the hostile atmosphere, and though it didn't lead to a series win, such history offered great hope only a few days ago for the New Yorkers. 

However, it turns out that times have changed. The Astros are a grown-up, championship-hardened ballclub that clearly isn't intimidated by either the Yankees or the raucous Stadium crowd. 

This time around, in fact, they're doing the dominating in the Bronx, maybe even the intimidating, applying so much pressure in every phase of the game as to make the Yankees look overmatched, even rattled, making four errors in Thursday's ugly 8-3 loss that puts them on the brink of elimination.

Masahiro Tanaka threw six scoreless innings and allowed just one hit in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros, and early on it looked like he was going to have a repeat performance in Game 4 on Thursday night, but it just wasn't meant to be.

The right-hander ended up allowing four runs (three earned) as the Yankees fell to the Astros 8-3 and now trailed the ALCS 3-1.

He retired six out of seven batters to start the game, walking just one, and throwing 35 pitches through two innings. The Yankees even gave him an early 1-0 lead when Brett Gardner walked with the bases loaded in the first inning.

Tanaka walked Robinson Chirinos to start the third inning, and then gave up his first hit of the game to Josh Reddick. Next, on a 1-0 count, George Springer blasted a three-run homer to left field, giving the Astros a 3-1 lead.

With the Yankees trailing 6-3 to Houston in the bottom of top of the eighth inning in Game 4 of the ALCS, Aaron Boone called upon CC Sabathia out of the bullpen. 

The left-hander made his second appearance of the series, but after suffering another apparent injury, or perhaps tweaking an already existing one, Sabathia walked off the mound at Yankee Stadium for what could be the final time of his career.

Sabathia allowed Yordan Alvarez to reach on an error, but then forced Carlos Correa to fly out to right. After hitting Robinson Chirinos with a pitch, Sabathia forced another flyout to Aledmys Diaz. Looking to get out of the inning, Sabathia threw a pitch to George Springer and immediately showed signs of injury.

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Yankees fell to the Astros 8-3 on Thursday night and now trail the ALCS 3-1. >> Box Score

Five things to know from Tuesday's game

1) It certainly wasn't all Masahiro Tanaka's fault, but on a night when the Yankees needed his usual postseason dominance, he was so-so at best.

You've done the hard work of pegging a pitcher's tell - does he tilt his glove a certain way when throwing his curveball? Or, through keen observation, discovered that a catcher is sloppy setting up behind the plate and you can see what pitch he's calling for next.

Baseball's unwritten rules say it's OK to exploit this intel. After all, as Rich Donnelly, the longtime MLB third-base coach put it, "If they're stealing your signs, then your signs aren't good enough."

But turning to electronics or cameras in the quest for an in-the-moment edge? Or being so overt when delivering the information by, say, whistling so loud the other dugout notices? 

That's where the romance of sign-stealing ends and hard feelings begin. 

As the Yankees and Astros prepare for Game 4 of the ALCS on Thursday night, pitch tipping and sign stealing have become two of the hot topics surrounding the series.

It was reported by SNY's Andy Martino that the Yankees were not happy about a whistling sound coming from the Astros' dugout in Game 1. Martino then confirmed that an MLB investigation found no wrong doing by the Astros.

On Thursday, Astros manager AJ Hinch as about sign stealing on the first question of his pregame interview, and Hinch had plenty to say on the topic. 

The Yankees fell 4-1 to the Astros at home in Tuesday's Game 3 of the ALCS, and after Wednesday's game was postponed due to rain, the series continues at Yankee Stadium for Game 4 on Thursday at 8:08 p.m.

Yankees notes

The Astros took a 2-1 lead in the ALCS on Tuesday after beating the Yankees 4-1. Luis Severino struggled on the mound, allowing two home runs in 4.1 innings of work. Astros star Jose Altuve got his team ahead early with a first inning homer, and then outfielder Josh Reddick added on to the lead with a second inning blast.

Yankees OF Giancarlo Stanton has remained on the team's ALCS roster despite not seeing the field since Game 1. He has been dealing with a strained quad, and though manager Aaron Boone has said he's available off the bench, he hasn't been used. 

As the Yankees prepare for a crucial Game 4 mathcup with the Astros on Thursday night, Stanton was out on the field attempting to run. Here he is running to first base, and it doesn't look too promising...

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It was reported by SNY's Andy Martino that the Yankees were not happy with a whistling sound that came from the Astros' dugout that was believed to be sign stealing. 

After an investigation, though, the MLB found no violations.

Martino confirmed that the MLB investigated the situation and found no wrong doing on the Astros' front. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal was the first to report the investigation taking place.

Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter |

After a washout on Wednesday night, the Yankees and Astros return to the field for Game 4 of the ALCS. And even though the series is only at 2-1 in favor of Houston, the Yankees find themselves with their backs up against the wall. 

Because Thursday night in the Bronx is a must-win for this Yankees club...

Yankees GM Brian Cashman dropped some news on Tuesday when he said OF Mike Tauchman was fully healthy. He had been dealing with a calf injury, but has since rehabbed himself back into the conversation of a roster spot. 

But, with the Yankees already three games into the ALCS, Tauchman may not be able to be considered until a potential World Series berth. However, there is one reason why the Yanks may consider placing him on the roster right now. 

Giancarlo Stanton has been dealing with a strained quad after Game 1, and he had to sit the bench in the past two contests because of it. Little is known about how bad the strain is, but Aaron Boone has noted Stanton being available off the bench. He also said on Wednesday during his presser that no decision has been made on him just yet. 

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Yankees players and coaches became angry with the Astros during Game 1 of the ALCS when they noticed a whistling sound in the Astros' dugout -- which they believed was an over-the-line example of sign stealing, and a violation of the game's unwritten rules.

According to three sources, a Yankees coach noticed a whistling sound in the opposing dugout on certain pitches on Saturday night in Houston. The Yankees started yelling across the field, and people in the dugouts argued back and forth.

"The whole dugout was pissed," said one source. "Everyone was chirping."

Major League Baseball made the weather decision Wednesday to push Game 4 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium in New York back 24 hours, and both the Yankees and Astros have adjusted accordingly as they set their starting pitchers for the next two matchups.

When each starter -- Astros RHP Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93 ERA) and Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka (11-9, 4.45 ERA) -- returns to the mound for first pitch Thursday at 8:08 p.m., the rematch of Game 1's 7-0 Yankees win from Minute Maid Park in Houston has series-altering implications.

With potential for four games in as many days through Sunday, should the series reach Game 7, did manager Aaron Boone make the right call to start Tanaka off five days of rest?

A curveball hit the Yankees-Astros ALCS when Game 4 was postponed at Yankee Stadium due to impending rain on Wednesday night. But manager Aaron Boone won't be making any changes to his roster moves, especially when it comes to the starting rotation. 

Instead of going with an opener in Game 4, which was a possibility, Masahiro Tanaka will get the ball. James Paxton is also set up for Game 5 in the Bronx. 

With the way Chad Green has been pitching out of the bullpen this postseason, an opener would've definitely made sense for a bullpen game to ensue. But Tanaka was also extremely solid in his Game 1 start of this series, going six innings without allowing a run and only one hit with four strikeouts as well. 

With Game 4 of the ALCS between the Yankees and Astros rained out, there is an extra day of rest before the series resumes. But the status of injured Giancarlo Stanton was still cloudy when Aaron Boone spoke on Wednesday afternoon.

Boone said he wasn't sure if Stanton would be available to start on Thursday, adding that he believes he'll be available as a bench bat -- as he was in Games 2 and 3. Stanton did not pinch-hit in either game.

"I do believe we have his bat off the bench right now, Boone said.  "We'll continue to evaluate this as smartly as we can moving forward"

Asked at what point the Yankees would need to consider replacing Stanton on the ALCS roster, Boone responded by noting that since Stanton is available to hit, they don't feel like they're playing a man short.

With Game 4 of the ALCS washed out as expected and set to be made up on Thursday night, the Astros have done the expected thing. And the expected thing could give them an advantage over the Yankees.

Manager A.J. Hinch said earlier this week that the likely plan was to have a bullpen game in Game 4. With the game moved back a day due to the postponement, Zack Greinke will move up and pitch Game 4 on regular rest (instead of Game 5) and Justin Verlander will pitch on regular rest in Game 5 (instead of Game 6).

"Very easy for us," Hinch said Wednesday during a conference call about the rotation changes. "It was our plan if this happened. ... JV on regular rest in Game 5 -- the sooner that we can use our best pitchers, the better for us. It was an easy decision."

Game 4 of the ALCS between the Yankees and Astros has been postponed, it was announced late Wednesday morning, just over eight hours before the first pitch was set to be thrown.

The Bronx is set to be hit with inclement weather and as a result, there will be no baseball on Wednesday, as the Washington Nationals have already clinched a berth to the World Series.

The Yankees and Astros will no longer get a break in between Game 5 and 6 to travel back to Houston, and will now have to play four games in four days. Game 5 is slated to begin at 7:08 p.m. in New York.

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Your mission, Yankees, should you choose to accept it, is now to win three straight games or at best be doomed to facing Gerrit Cole in Game 7, which is pretty much a death sentence these days. 

Ok, choose isn't exactly the right word, since the Astros are going to have plenty to say about the Yankees getting on any type of roll in this ALCS, and obviously Justin Verlander would be no picnic in Game 6 as well. 

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Sanchez's receiving
 
In the seventh, Gary Sanchez struggled to receive two consecutive pitches, costing the Yankees a run -- though it was questionable whether he should have been able to handle the second one.
 
The first, a sinker from Zack Britton with a runner on third, hit umpire Kerwin Danley, preventing the runner from scoring. The second, another sinker was ruled a wild pitch, but it was one that Sanchez might have stopped. This time, the run scored.
 
"Sanchez needs a good catching coach," tweeted former Yankees pitcher David Wells. "Wow."
 
Another former pitcher texted to disagree.
 
"I don't [think he should have caught it]," the pitcher said. "It was a nasty sinker in the dirt."
 
Perhaps Sanchez could have at least moved more quickly in an attempt to stop a tough pitch.

Throughout the regular season, the Yankees bullpen was one of the team's calling cards. Even at times when the starting pitching struggles, the Yankees could seemingly always rely on the backend of their bullpen. 

One of the key cogs of that backend has been Adam Ottavino, who pitched to a 1.90 ERA in 73 regular season appearances.

But the postseason, specifically the ALCS, has been a different story for the right-hander. 

After allowing the game-tying home run to George Springer in the fifth inning of Game 2, Ottavino struggled again in Tuesday's Game 3 loss.

In a crucial Game 3 of a tied series with the Astros, the Yankees sent Luis Severino to the mound to start the first of three games at Yankee Stadium. Despite throwing a scoreless set of innings in his last time out, he was unable to match that performance Tuesday afternoon.

Severino exited Game 3 Tuesday earlier than he or Aaron Boone would've liked, heading back to the dugout after 4.1 innings that saw him allow five hits on 97 pitches, with six strikeouts and three walks. Severino allowed two home runs in the first two innings, including one to Jose Altuve on just the third pitch of the game.

When asked after the game how hard it was to get back on track after the rough start, Severino said "it was tough."

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Yankees fell to the Astros 4-1 at Yankee Stadium, and now trail 2-1 in the ALCS. >> Box Score

Five things to know from Tuesday's game

1) The Yankees' task just got a whole lot tougher, and not just because of the math. 

In the wake of Giancarlo Stanton's strained quad and possible insertion onto the IL, the Yankees may have another option to go to as they battle the Astros in the ALCS.

It was reported by Joel Sherman of the NY Post Tuesday that Mike Tauchman may be available to return from a left calf injury for the Yankees if they decide to downgrade Stanton's availability. Sherman spoke with Yankees GM Brain Cashman prior to Game 3: "He is healthy and eligible," Cashman said. "That is why he has been down in Tampa doing all his stuff."

This is a big development for a New York squad that has been riddled with injuries all season, and that had just gotten Aaron Hicks back from injury just in time for the ALCS as well.

After the Yankees split Saturday and Sunday at Minute Maid Park in Houston, New York returns home Tuesday to the Bronx at 4:04 p.m. from Yankee Stadium for Game 3 of the ALCS against the Astros.

Yankees notes

Sunday's Game 2 of the ALCS alone made the series live up to the hype. After the Yankees dominated Saturday's 7-0 win to grab Game 1, the Astros got New York back in Game 2 with an 11th-inning leadoff home run by SS Carlos Correa against LHP J.A. Happ. Correa starred for the Astros at the plate and in the field, highlighted by his sixth-inning throw home when he caught 1B DJ LeMahieu rounding third base by three steps.

Giancarlo Stanton remained out of the Yankees' lineup for Game 3 of the ALCS on Tuesday after missing Sunday's Game 2 due to a quad injury, with manager Aaron Boone updating Stanton's clouded status before the game.

Before reaching the podium for his pregame press conference, Boone told reporters including Lindsey Adler of The Athletic that Stanton would "probably" be on the IL if it was the regular season.

Talking before the game about his injury, Stanton said he can hit but that playing the outfield is "the biggest question."

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter |

As things currently stand, the Yankees and Astros are both planning to have bullpen games on Wednesday in Game 4 of the ALCS. It looks like that game is in serious jeopardy of getting postponed, though, potentially opening the door for big rotation changes for both teams.

According to Accuweather, the forecast in the Bronx -- when the Yanks and Astros are set for first pitch at 8:08 p.m. on Wednesday -- calls for pretty steady rain between 4 p.m. Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday. 

If Game 4 is postponed, it will be pushed to Thursday at Yankee Stadium, followed by Game 5 on Friday (also at Yankee Stadium) and Game 6 (if necessary) on Saturday in Houston. Game 7 would take place on Sunday in Houston.

With the Yankees and Astros set to play another three games against each other at Yankee Stadium, it's hard not to look at comparisons between this series and the one that occurred two years ago.

In the 2017 ALCS, the home team won every game that was played, and unfortunately for the Yankees, the Astros had home field advantage for that series--just like they do again for this one.

But this time around, the Yankees return home from a two-game stint in Houston with a win already under their belt, and nearly came home with two before a-walkoff home run by Carlos Correra ended that dream. And yet, one game may be all the Yankees need now that they're back in New York.

ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" reportedly could have changes coming on the horizon.

According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, ESPN is considering scrapping its current broadcast crew as it examines other potential personalities in the booth for MLB's 2020 season.

While Alex Rodriguez is safe no matter what with one more year left on his contract, he could have new teammates alongside him when the program returns next spring.

The Yankees pulled off a bit of a Game 1 shocker against the Astros in opening game of the ALCS, topping the series favorites 7-0 on the road. The bats came to play, but RHP Masahiro Tanaka did, too. 

Tanaka continued his postseason dominance. His ERA in seven career playoff starts is now 1.32. 

Over six shutout innings, Tanaka allowed only two runners and one hit. But after just 68 pitches, the Yankees opted for the bullpen. 

The Yankees already have a tentative pitching plan in place for Game 4 of the ALCS on Wednesday, a day before Tuesday's Game 3. 

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that Wednesday is going to be a "bullpen day," adding that LHP J.A. Happ could play a role in the festivities as well, following his Game 2 mishap. 

"Obviously kind of depends a lot on what happens tomorrow. J-Happ could very much be in the mix," Boone said. "As well as... I picture our bullpen being unleashed on that day."

Here are the key 2019 MLB offseason dates, and how they impact the Yankees...

Day after World Series ends: Free agency begins

Before factoring in raises for arbitration, the Yankees already have a shade over $164 million committed to their payroll for 2020. But there is still room to spend, and there will be plenty of big names out there. 

Among the biggest names expected to hit the free agent market: Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, Marcell Ozuna, and Will Smith. 

The Yankees' notable free agents include Didi Gregorius, Dellin Betances, and Brett Gardner.

Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Yankees couldn't come away with another road victory against the Astros on Sunday night, falling 3-2 in extras to tie the series up. Unlike their seven-run splurge in Game 1, Justin Verlander calmed the Yanks' bats down a bit with his stellar arsenal on the mound, allowing only the two-run homer to Aaron Judge that accounted for the team's only runs in the contest. 

Now the ALCS heads to the Bronx for the first time, which should work in the Yankees' favor right? Not necessarily with Gerrit Cole on the mound. 

The Yankees have up to 12 arbitration-eligible players this offseason, with James Paxton, Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez the biggest names in that group. 

Once a player is offered arbitration, the team and that player's agent have until a set date -- usually at some point in February -- to come to terms on a new contract. If that doesn't happen, both sides submit salary proposals and the player's salary is determined at a hearing by independent arbitrators. 

According to MLB Trade Rumors, here's what the Yankees' arbitration-eligible players are projected to make in 2020...

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

HOUSTON -- Dellin Betances tore his Achilles in September. Domingo German is on the restricted list because of a domestic violence allegation. On this night, the Yankees missed both of those pitchers (and, of course, the baseball impact of German's situation is insignificant compared to what his alleged victim experienced).

Jonathan Loaisiaga appeared overwhelmed and unable to find the strike zone. Betances would have inspired much more confidence in that spot, or at least lengthened the bullpen by having another high-leverage guy and not ever needing Loaisiga. The left-handed and homer-prone J.A. Happ in the game as the bulk guy in extra innings, was a far less favorable matchup against the Astros' righty-heavy lineup than the righty German would have been.

Game 2 of the ALCS made every pitch matter Sunday at Minute Maid Park in Houston, but perhaps no play swung the momentum more than what happened midway through the sixth inning.

With two on and two out as DJ LeMahieu led off second and Gleyber Torres from fits, Brett Gardner's sharp ground ball up the middle initially short hopped off Jose Altuve at second base and into the hole, but Carlos Correa came over from shortstop in time.

While Torres stayed put on second, LeMahieu wheeled around after getting waved by third-base coach Phil Nevin and booked for home plate.

Disappointment filled the locker room as the Yankees summed up Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Astros in Game 2 of the ALCS, but the main objective at Minute Maid Park in Houston ultimately got accomplished.

While the Yankees had the Astros on the ropes and let the chance to go up 2-0 slip away, the two-game trip ended with the next three matchups back before the Yankee Stadium crowd in New York, starting Tuesday at 4:08 p.m. ET.

Despite the poor performance at the plate for the Yankees, whose only runs came on Aaron Judge's two-run homer in the top of the fourth inning, they brush off their six-hit evening with an opportunity to get Game 3 -- and possibly the series -- done in the Bronx.

With one out in the bottom of the third inning, Aaron Boone pulled the plug on James Paxton.

The southpaw's start ended early Sunday after allowing one run -- Carlos Correa's one-out double to left field, scoring Alex Bregman from second base in the bottom of the second inning -- on four hits and three strikeouts to two walks in 2.1 frames, making Boone call on eight different arms out of the bullpen.

Game 2 of the ALCS ultimately ended in the bottom of the 11th inning on Correa's leadoff solo shot off J.A. Happ, who entered midway through the previous frame, but Boone backed the decision to pull Paxton early and pointed to the bullpen's overall production despite the Yankees' 3-2 loss to the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Yankees fell 3-2 to the Astros on Saturday in Game 2 of the ALCS, evening the series at 1-1.

Five things to know from Sunday's game

1.) For all the talk about the bullpen edge the Yankees have in this series, Game 2 proved that too much of a good thing can have its consequences.

As the Mets' search for their new manager continues, one former New York star publicly expressed his desire to lead an MLB team for 2020 and beyond, but will the opportunity come in orange and blue?

Before the Yankees played Game 2 of the ALCS against the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, former 20-year veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran expressed his desire to become a manager when he caught up with SNY's Andy Martino on the field.

Beltran, who spent 2005-10 as a Met and slashed .279/.366/.499 with 134 home runs and 493 RBI in 741 games over six seasons, interviewed Thursday for the New York job and turned down chances to do the same with the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.

With the Yankees down one run in the top of the fourth inning, Aaron Judge made Astros starter Justin Verlander pay.

After a leadoff walk from Verlander against DJ LeMahieu to start the frame, the righty made a mistake with Judge on an 0-1 count.

Verlander hung a slider above the belt over the plate and Judge sent the pitch into orbit, crushing a two-run home run to right-center field and putting the Yankees ahead of the Astros for a 2-1 lead.

The Yankees look to extend their series lead in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Astros on Sunday at 8:08 p.m. at Minute Maid Park.

Yankees notes

The Yankees took a 1-0 lead in the series after beating the Astros 7-0 in Game 1 of the ALCS. Gleyber Torres was the star of the night, going 3-for-5 with 5 RBI thanks to a double and home run. Giancarlo Stanton went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, but injured his quad and will not start Game 2. Starter Masahiro Tanaka allowed just one hit over six innings, striking out four batters and walking just one in the win. Gio Urshela put the nail in the coffin with his solo home run in the ninth inning, he finished the game 2-for-4 from the plate.

Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton will not start in Sunday night's Game 2 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros after injuring his quad in Saturday's Game 1.

Manager Aaron Boone spoke before Game 2, and said Stanton could pinch hit or play the field in an emergency.

"Yeah, kinda injured his quad last night," Boone said. "Hoping that it's something that with today and the off day he'll be back and play for Game 3. We'll see how these next 48 hours unfold. He would be available tonight to hit or go in an emergency situation... Didn't feel like he was good to start."

The Yankees got the job done in Game 1, shutting out the Astros on their home field to take the first game of the ALCS, 7-0. And they could truly carry all the momentum to the Bronx if they can collect another road victory on Sunday night. 

However, they'll have to go through the Astros' ace in Justin Verlander to do so. 

Two years ago, Verlander dominated the Yankees at Minute Maid Park in his two ALCS starts. His first was in Game 2, pitching a complete game where he allowed just one run while striking out 13. Then seven scoreless innings game in Game 6 to help force a divisive Game 7 that the Yankees would ultimately lose.