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.

Yankees couldn't afford to roll the dice with Marcus Stroman

In the first of a two-year, $37 million deal inked last winter, Marcus Stroman also failed to make the cut. He got off to a strong start in New York, but faded badly as the year went on, working to an ERA north of 5.00 since the start of June - going so far as being relegated to the bullpen late in the season.

The decision is easily defendable when you look at the other starting options at Boone's disposal and how the series is scheduled. Gerrit Cole took the ball in Game 1, with Carlos Rodon slated for Game 2 and then either Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt in Game 3. The Yankees opted for more position players, which left Stroman - and the final name on our list - on the outside looking in.

Stroman finished the year with a 4.62 FIP in just over 150 innings of work. Never a big swing-and-miss guy, it makes sense the Yankees wouldn't want him coming out of the pen. But it's still a tough look for one of your biggest offseason additions to not be part of your October equation.