Bronx, NY (My Sportsbook) - New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi will not play in the American League Divisional Series against Minnesota after being left off the roster. The club opted to have 11 pitchers versus the Twins, including both Orlando Hernandez and Kevin Brown. El Duque and Brown are candidates to start Games 3 or 4, along with Javier Vazquez. Giambi, meanwhile, played through the worst season of his career due to a myriad of ailments. He was on the disabled list from late May to early June with a sprained ankle, then was diagnosed with an intestinal parasite in late June. The parasite weakened Giambi to the point where he had trouble getting out of bed. He then underwent further tests, which eventually revealed a benign tumor in his pituitary gland. The former American League MVP, who made a valiant effort to get back into shape, batted a career-low .208 this season with 12 home runs and 40 RBI. Giambi was only 4-for-33 after he was activated from the disabled list on September 14. Minnesota won Game 1 on Tuesday, 2-0. |
