These 3 former Cubs standouts were all left off the Yankees' ALDS roster

It wasn't the cleanest game ever played, but the New York Yankees took Game 1 of the ALDS over the weekend, holding off the Kansas City Royals for a 7-6 win in the Bronx on Saturday afternoon. They did so despite Aaron Judge going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, furthering the narrative that the former MVP isn't built for October.

But we're not here to talk about Judge. We're looking at a trio of former Chicago Cubs players who were notably left off the Yankees' ALDS roster - including one who joined the team from Chicago in a trade made with the postseason in mind.

Anthony Rizzo hopes to be ready should the Yankees advance to ALCS

As the regular season drew to a close, Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch and fractured two fingers in his right hand. It was a fitting end to a frustrating season for the three-time All-Star, who appeared in just 92 games and finished the year with a well below-average 81 OPS+.

Still, he brings a ton of October experience to the table - not to mention Gold Glove-caliber defense. He was seen during the Game 1 broadcast reviewing film in the dugout with Judge, walking him through at-bats to try and get the feared slugger back on track. Fair to say, though, manager Aaron Boone would much rather have the veteran in the lineup.

“I feel a lot better than I did six days ago, but we’re dealing with bones,” Rizzo told reporters over the weekend. “I feel like gutting through it, I wouldn’t be able to be my best version defensively or offensively. I had to be honest with myself. I’m confident, hopefully in the next round, to join them.”

In his stead, Oswaldo Cabrera went 1-for-4 with a double and three strikeouts in the series opener. Set to hit free agency this winter, a triumphant October return could be just what Rizzo needs if he wants to land a multi-year deal at age 35.