Yankees Tab Romine Over Sanchez To Catch Gray In Game 4
NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Romine will catch right-hander Sonny Gray for the New York Yankees against Houston in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series, with regular backstop Gary Sanchez moving to designated hitter.
Manager Joe Girardi says Romine and Gray have built a strong rapport since Gray was acquired from Oakland in July. Gray had a 1.45 ERA in three games pitching to Romine, compared to a 4.63 ERA in eight appearances with Sanchez.
Romine is New York's best receiver. Sanchez tied for the major league lead with 16 passed balls in the regular season, and Gray's big curveball can be difficult to block.
Houston leads the series 2-1 heading into Tuesday's Game 4. Lance McCullers Jr. will start for the Astros, a decision manager A.J. Hinch announced after New York's 8-1 win Monday night. Hinch was deciding between McCullers and Brad Peacock.
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