When Yankees veteran Matt Carpenter suffered a left foot fracture on Aug. 8, the remainder of his 2022 season went into doubt.
Carpenter was transferred to the 60-day IL on Oct. 2, formally ending his regular season as the team hoped he would be back healthy for the ALDS. Their wish came true, and Carpenter was activated from the IL on Oct. 11 ahead of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians.
He saw action for the first time during Friday's Game 2, pinch-hitting for Jose Trevino in the sixth inning, but struck out. Carpenter spoke to media Saturday before Game 3 in Cleveland, and said that he never doubted if he was going to be able to come back and contribute in the postseason.
"I wouldn't let myself go there," Carpenter said. "I knew that just from what the doctors were telling me, the timing was going to be close. My mindset from the onset was that I was going to be back, however possible, and whatever role possible.
"Very thankful that we were able to make that happen and now it's just about being ready when I get an opportunity and hopefully do something to help us win a game."
In 47 games this season, Carpenter hit .305 with 15 home runs and 37 RBI over 128 at-bats. The lefty showed how valuable he could be for the Yankees during a dominant month of July, as he slashed .356/.447/.822 with nine home runs and 23 RBI over 73 at-bats.
Carpenter went on to discuss his at-bat in Game 2, saying that he hopes to get another chance to make an impact at the plate.
"Certainly felt good to be back out there, would've preferred a different result," Carpenter said. "Physically I felt good, felt like I was seeing the ball well. Faced a really good pitcher who made some good pitches and was able to put an end to that rally we had going and get out of there. As far as how I felt and physically where I was, I felt good and I felt ready, I felt prepared, just wasn't able to come through. Hopefully get another chance."
Manager Aaron Boone had said on Oct. 6 that he doesn't expect Carpenter to play in the field after the foot injury, but the slugger added Saturday that he is doing his best to be available to play in the outfield, if needed.
Carpenter told reporters that being away from teammates was the most challenging part of his injury, and noted that the Yankees are "very confident and got a good game plan" heading into Game 3.
"By far, just being with the guys," Carpenter said. "Missed out on a lot of cool things. Not helping us win ball games and not being around, that's definitely the worst part."