Mark Leiter Jr. joins the Yankees' ALCS squad with a chance at redemption

CLEVELAND – The Yankees could finally get something out of Mark Leiter Jr. in October.

The right-hander, acquired from the Cubs before the July trade deadline, has pitched so poorly since the trade that he was left off the rosters for the ALDS against the Royals and the ALCS against Cleveland.

But he was added Friday to replace the injured Ian Hamilton, who suffered a left calf strain in Thursday's Game 3 loss.

Since Hamilton was left off the ALCS roster, he cannot compete in the World Series.

General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees hoped that Leiter and his split-finger fastball would be an effective matchup against Cleveland's left-heavy lineup, making Leiter the choice over other candidates such as the inexperienced Cody Poteet and Clayton Beeter.

“He had a heck of a year, but when he got here for us it wasn’t as good,” Cashman said. “But he’s definitely capable. He has a pretty good weapon against lefties. I hope it will be of use to us. If called upon, hopefully he will give us a good chance.”

Cashman added that while Nestor Cortes – who was sidelined with a strained elbow – would have been willing to return for this series, he was not considered.

“Nestor would love to be (on the roster), but we would be skipping too many return-to-play protocols to safely use him,” Cashman said of the left-hander. “That doesn’t mean he might not be available for the next round when (we) get there. He still has to overcome a few hurdles to get to a safe zone. It’s about his career, so we want to make sure he’s right.”

Leiter was brought in to help stabilize a bullpen that needed a boost, with Clay Holmes struggling at the time.

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Leiter, who did not comment Thursday when asked how he stayed fit during his layoff, has struggled for most of his time in the Bronx.

The team's bullpen was in good shape during the postseason – until Thursday's dramatic 10-inning loss.

Holmes, Luke Weaver and Tommy Kahnle led the way, but each of them was ineffective in the loss.

They could certainly use another reliable arm since the pen is taxed and the Yankees – like most teams in these playoffs – don't get much length from their starters.

Leiter, signed for two prospects, entered Friday after not pitching since the end of the regular season.

But his last four appearances in September were better than most of his other outings with the Yankees.

He pitched 4 ²/₃ scoreless innings in those four games – although Leiter allowed three hits and two walks.