NEW YORK — Jacoby Ellsbury will be the designated hitter for the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game, with manager Joe Girardi keeping Chase Headley and Matt Holliday on the bench.
Either Headley or Holliday was expected to be the DH on Tuesday night against Minnesota, but Girardi will instead have both available to pinch hit. Aaron Hicks is in center field, which is Ellsbury's primary position. The 34-year-old Ellsbury has been a DH 12 times in his career, including four times this season.
Girardi was concerned about contending with Minnesota's speed. The Twins were the best baserunning team in the majors, as measured by Fangraphs, and also improved dramatically on defense this season.