Cutting Marcus Stroman from the Yankees' ALDS roster was a 'tough decision'

Marcus Stroman moved from the rotation to the bullpen and was left off the ALDS roster.

The Yankees decided to only have 11 pitchers on their roster for their series against the Royals, and Stroman was not one of them.

The right-hander posted a 4.31 ERA in 30 games (29 starts) during the regular season and doesn't have the swing-and-miss traits that would be valuable out of the bullpen in a playoff series.

“Obviously it was a difficult decision, especially when you're still thinking about 12 pitchers or 11 pitchers right up until the end,” manager Aaron Boone said before Saturday's first game at Yankee Stadium. “Then where is the scroll? Obviously, this series may only need three starters, with four on the roster. I just felt that it would be better to choose another helper for the role in this series.”

The Yankees opted to use Tim Mayza as a second left-handed hitter (along with Tim Hill) rather than select one of Stroman, Mark Leiter Jr. or Clayton Beeter.

With days off after Games 1, 2 and 4 in this best-of-five series, the Yankees can get through and only need Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt to start.

The schedule also allows the remaining relievers to pitch more frequently, with only two games on consecutive days, reducing the need for a long man.

Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million contract last winter with a vesting option through 2026, had a strong start to the season before fading in the second half.

The Yankees moved him to the bullpen in mid-September, although he only appeared as a reliever once before making one final start in place of the injured Nestor Cortes.

At some point in the next few days, Stroman will likely throw a live batting practice session to stay stretched out in case the Yankees need him.

Boone said the Long Island native would be an option for the ALCS in any role if the Yankees make it there.

Speedy outfielder Duke Ellis was selected to the ALDS squad as the 15th overall pick and provided a dangerous threat off the bench.

“It allows you to be a little more aggressive at that point knowing you have an extra guy on the bench who can step in where you need him,” Boone said.

The Yankees had claimed Ellis off waivers from the Mariners in August.

He has appeared in 11 career games, going 5-for-5 in stolen bases (and 57-for-61 in the minors this year).

The Yankees' ALDS squad did not include Anthony Rizzo, who did not recover in time from a broken finger, but the veteran first baseman said Friday night he is confident he can contribute to the ALCS if the club advances.

“I feel like it’s a possibility, certainly in play,” Boone said. “What I saw from him (Friday) encouraged me. I stumbled upon him doing his cage swings and it was actually pretty good. So I think it’s definitely a possibility.”

It's unlikely the Yankees will name a Game 3 starter (between Gil or Schmidt) before Tuesday.