Ian Hamilton leaves ALCS Game 3 with injury in Yankees bullpen blow

CLEVELAND — The Yankees bullpen, brilliant throughout the postseason, suffered its first hit Thursday, as Ian Hamilton left Game 3 of the ALCS against the Guardians with left calf tightness. It occurred with one out and a runner on second in the bottom of the sixth and the Yankees trailing 2-1. Hamilton was throwing warmup pitches following a successful challenge by the Yankees of a call at first base on a Daniel Schneemann grounder to first. Hamilton’s final warmup pitch sailed to the backstop, and the right-hander appeared to twist his left ankle. After a brief visit from the trainers, he was removed from the game and replaced by Tim Mayza. It was Hamilton’s first appearance since a terrific, four-out performance in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Royals on Oct. 7. For most of the playoffs, the Yankees pen has been excellent, led by Luke Weaver, Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and lately, lefty Tim Hill.