Yankees replace injured Ian Hamilton with Mark Leiter Jr.

CLEVELAND – The New York Yankees didn't just lose a wild Game 3 to the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. They also lost one of their backup players for the remainder of the postseason.

Ian Hamilton, who left Thursday's game with a left calf injury, was removed from the team's roster ahead of Friday's Game 4. Mark Leiter Jr., another right-hander, took Hamilton's place.

Major League Baseball approved the replacement after an independent doctor reviewed Hamilton's medical information. Teams are only allowed to make roster changes during a postseason series if a player is injured. By rule, Hamilton is ineligible to play in the World Series if the Yankees advance.

Hamilton, 29, suffered the calf injury while covering first base for one out in the sixth inning. He then left the game after facing only two batters. The veteran appeared in two postseason games for the Yankees after posting a 3.82 ERA in 35 games during the regular season. He was on the injured list for almost three months due to a right lat strain.

The Yankees acquired Leiter from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline for his elite swing-and-miss ability. But Leiter struggled in New York, posting a 4.98 ERA in 21 appearances. He has never pitched in the postseason in his five-year major league career.