Mark Leiter Jr. joins Yankees ALCS roster with a shot at redemptio

CLEVELAND The Yankees may finally get something out of Mark Leiter Jr. in October. The right-hander, acquired from the Cubs prior to the trade deadline in July, pitched poorly enough since the trade that he was excluded from the rosters for the ALDS against the Royals and the ALCS versus Cleveland. But he was added Friday to replace the injured Ian Hamilton, who . Yankees pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. (38) reacts after giving up a two-run homer to Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Because Hamilton was removed from the ALCS roster, he wont be able to pitch in the World Series. General manager Brian Cashman Bill Robinson Jersey said the Yankees hoped Leiter and his split-fingered fastball would be an effective pitch against Clevelands lefty-heavy lineup, making Leiter the choice over other candidates such as the inexperienced Cody Poteet and Clayton Beeter. Explore More Hes had a hell of a year, just not as good when he got here for us, Cashman said. But hes certainly capable. Hes got a pretty good weapon against left-handed hitters. I hope it benefits us. Hopefully when called upon, hell give us quality outs. Cashman added that while Nestor Cortes out with a strained elbow would have been willing to return for this series, he was not a consideration. Yankees pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. (38) throws a pitch during the 7th inning against the Boston Red Sox. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Nestor would want to be [on the roster], but we would be skipping too many return-to-play protocols to safely deploy him, Cashman said of the lefty. That doesnt mean he might not be available for the next round if [we] get there. He has a few more hurdles to climb to get him into a safe zone. Its his career were talking about, so we want to make sure hes right. As for Leiter, he was brought in to help steady a bullpen that needed a boost, with Clay Holmes struggling at the time. Follow The Posts coverage of the Yankees in the postseason: Leiter, who declined comment Thursday when asked how he was staying ready during his layoff, has . In the postseason, the teams bullpen pitched well until Thursdays dramatic, 10-inning lo s. Ian Hamilton #71 of the New York Yankees is pulled from Game 3 during the 6th inning. Jason Szenes / New York Post Holmes, Luke Weaver and Tommy Kahnle led the way, in the defeat. They could certainly use another reliable arm, with the pen taxed and the Yankees like most teams in these playoffs not getting a lot of length from their starters. Leiter, acquired for a pair of prospects, entered Friday having not pitched since the end of the regular season. But his last four appearances in September were better than the bulk of his other outings with the Yankees. He to sed 4 / scorele s innings in those four games though Leiter did allow three hits and a pair of walks. Ryan Borucki Jersey