:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65403416/usa_today_13466603.0.jpg)
CBS Sports | Mike Axisa: There was some question as to what level Edwin Encarnacion would play at upon returning from an oblique injury. Encarnacion missed three weeks with the ailment and didn’t get into game action prior to the playoffs, yet he hasn't missed a beat so far against the Twins. The veteran slugger has scalded nearly every pitch thrown his way, as he’s already looking like a lineup cornerstone again.
New York Post | Joel Sherman: In both Games One and Two of the ALDS, the Yankees batted Brett Gardner (Brett Gardner!) in the three hole. While the particular merits of that decision can be debated, it’s without question that Gardner’s elevated lineup decision is emblematic of his shocking season on the whole. No one really expected Gardner to play a huge role this season after signing a one-year deal last winter, no one expected him to hit 28 homers, and no one expected him batting third in the playoffs. It’s only fitting I suppose that he slugged a home run out of that slot in Game One.
New York Post | George A. King III: Will ran down yesterday just how deep the Yankees are, and unsurprisingly, the players that represent that depth are keeping busy. The likes of Clint Frazier, Mike Ford, and Jordan Montgomery, all productive players that could potentially start across the majors, are still working out down in Tampa despite having been left off the Yankees’ stacked roster. Good to know the team’s talented backups will be ready if their services are called upon.