was the lone member of the Yankees ALCS roster that wasnt included on for the World Series, though beyond tactics, health was the key factor in Bertis absence. Manager told and other media that Berti suffered a flexor strain in his right hip while running the bases in Game 4 of the ALCS. Berti entered that game in the top of the ninth as a pinch-runner for , came around to score what ended up as the games winning run, and then played second base in the bottom half of the frame. Unfortunately, time ran out for [Berti] to be ready , Boone said. So thats a blow for us. I feel for him because he was playing a really important role for us, especially in those first two rounds . With Rizzo sidelined by two broken fingers until the ALCS, Grant Dayton Jersey Berti found himself in the unlikely role of New Yorks starting first baseman for two ALDS games against the Royals, and again for Game 3 of the ALCS (with Rizzo on the bench against Guardians left-hander ). Though Berti has carved out a niche as a super-utility player over his seven Major League seasons, he had never before played first base during his entire pro career before taking on the cold corner for this years playoffs. Berti can only watch from the sidelines as his teammates will try to dig themselves out of an 0-1 hole in the Series after yesterdays heartbreaking walkoff lo s. More from around the AL East Ted Leonsis looked into buying the Orioles when the Angelos family put the team up for sale, write as part of a long profile of the billionaire. Already the owner of the NHLs Washington Capitals and NBAs Washington Wizards, Leonsis was heavily considered as the prime contender to buy the Nationals when the Lerner family announced they were looking into selling the team in April 2022, though the family reversed course last February the Nats were no longer for sale. Leonsis reiterated earlier this year and within Maeses piece that he remains interested in the Nationals if the Lerners do decide to sell, though it also makes sense that he wouldve at least checked into the Orioles once they came on the market. had some succe s after adopting a toe tap into his swing late in the 2024 season, and the Orioles shortstop told that hell now look to continue using this adapted approach next season. Though Holliday had used the toe-top technique on occasion during his high school days, he gave it another shot while just me sing around in the cage, trying to imitate , but Holliday then felt quite comfortable with his swing. Holliday hit only .189/.255/.311 over his first 208 plate appearances in the big leagues, striking out 69 times as pitchers took advantage of the big leg kick Holliday used in his old swing. Obviously its too soon to tell if this adjustment might truly unlock something for Holliday, but as he heads into his sophomore season, the sky is still the limit for the first overall pick of the 2022 draft. MLBPA head Tony Clark told reporters (including and ) that he and the union havent yet heard from the league about any plans for the Rays playing future, as Tropicana Field was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton. A se sment of that damage is still taking place, but since the Rays will surely have to spend at least the start of the 2025 season in a new home ballpark, plenty of options have already been floated as interim locales. As Clark noted, the players union do not have a hand in the facility. We dont have a hand in the move. We have a hand in whats called effects bargaining: How are players affected by the leagues decision? At the end of the day, if the decision puts players in harms way, it depends on what harms way means . This would mean making sure everything involved in a new ballpark is up to Major League standards, as several minor league stadiums and Spring Training facilities are under consideration for the Rays. Guillermo Heredia Jersey