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NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Manager Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 20, 2015 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Yankees release Wild Card game roster

 

Tonight marks the first night of the 2015 Major League Baseball playoffs as the New York Yankees face off against the Houston Astros in the Bronx. In this one-game, do-or-die, playoff, teams must trim their rosters back down to 25 men.

With about nine hours to go until first pitch, the Yankees have released their roster. Everyone knows the staples of their roster. Masahiro Tanaka is starting tonight so he is in as well as relievers Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances and Justin Wilson, who have formed quite the back end of the bullpen for manager Joe Girardi.

It is no surprise that Adam Warren made the roster. He has been exceptional of late and along with the three pitchers above, can shorten games for the Yankees.

However, there are some surprises in the bullpen starting with Luis Severino. If the Yankees advance past tonight, you would assume Severino would be in the mix to start game 1 in Kansas City. The assumption here is that IF Tanaka would to implode early, they would use Severino in hopes to limit the damage.

Rounding out the pitching staff is Ivan Nova, Bryan Mitchell and James Pazos.

The Yankees are also carrying three catchers, which would give them plenty of opportunities if they need to pinch-run late in games. Starter Brian McCann and backup John Ryan Murphy have spots as well as rookie Gary Sanchez.

In the infield, starters Greg Bird, Didi Gregorius and Chase Headley were locks. The Yankees could platoon at second base with both Dustin Ackley and Rob Refsnyder making the roster. Finally, Brendan Ryan is the last infielder, presumably as a late-inning defensive replacement.

The Bombers have decided to carry three extra outfielders. Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner as well as Chris Young were shoe-ins to make the roster. However, a strong showing in the month of September has pushed Slade Heathcott as an option coming off the bench. Also, speedster Rico Noel gives the Yankees a tremendous weapon coming into run late in games.

Alex Rodriguez, the lone designated hitter, rounds out the roster. The Yankees will rely heavily on him to perform in the postseason, where he has struggled once before.

Some noticeable subtractions from the roster include Chasen Shreve, who was once one of the best and most trusted relievers for Girardi and Stephen Drew, who is still battling with a concussion.

Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. eastern time as Tanaka faces Dallas Keuchel and the Astros.