Absent from the equation is David Fry, who hasn’t started a game behind the plate since suffering an elbow injury midseason. Manager Stephen Vogt’s inability to deploy the versatile Fry as anything other than a pinch hitter or designated hitter has limited Cleveland’s ability to play pitchers late in games.

Cleveland.com turned to its Guardians Insider Subtext subscribers (sign up here) for their thoughts on who should start behind the plate and in right field as Cleveland prepares to face the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS at Progressive Field.

Below are some of their responses.

David Fry should start at catcher even if he can’t throw out runners. At least Noel is solid on defense. And most ABs last more than 3 pitches. He had that one single. – Viren, New Albany

I actually think Hedges should do that because neither of them are hitting and I think Hedges is the better catcher. – Melinda, Cleveland

Hedges, all the way. He calls a much better game, is good at framing and helps the younger pitches. He’s also better at defending runs. The other factor is fatigue. Naylor has done most of the work behind the dish, let Hedgie (who has a ring) finish this off. –Neil, Reedsville, PA

Austin Hedges. If we’re going to assume an automatic out at the plate, we might as well go with the more reliable receiver and pitch blocker who also has a lot of postseason experience. Maybe move him to ninth while moving the red-hot Rocchio to second. –Terry, Peoria, AZ

At this point it doesn’t really matter. The Guards are not going to win four of their next five games. —Jim, Durham, NH

Start Hedges for defensive reasons, but pinch him early if a critical at-bat situation arises. – Bill, Peoria, AZ

David Fry behind the plate if possible. Noel is slightly better defensively and has a potentially lethal bat. –John, Los Angeles, CA

Start with Hedges. Naylor also doesn’t hit and Hedges is better defensively and can handle pitchers better. Start Noel. He’s much better defensively if you include his arm, and of the two, he’s more likely to hit one out of the park. –Tim, Rockville, IN

Hedges should go help Boyd and I think Noel should be right. –Jim, Newark, Ohio

Bo Naylor catches because he can hit (at least a little better than Hedges). Big Christmas in right field because he has a better arm. And I would pray that David Fry would see a lot of action. Let’s hope he doesn’t have a serious injury. —Hank, Seabrook Island, SC

Since neither catcher is hitting, go with the defense, so Hedges. Right field is a platoon situation, but Brennan looks worse right now. —Carl, Las Vegas, NV

I’d take whoever Boyd wants. Neither of them are hitting, so I’m going with defense. I like Noel’s arm, but he’s not ready for prime time as a hitter. I hope Brennan can show some patience at the plate. I have no confidence in any of them at this point and wouldn’t count them on the 26 roster. – Dave, Avon, OH

What about Schneeman in RF? I’ve seen enough of Brennan swinging at pitches a foot outside the strike zone. If I have to choose between the two, I’ll take Noel. He might accidentally end up in it. Naylor could at least hit a foul ball. Hedges is an automatic strikeout unless he bunts. – Darren, Reading, PA

Bo should still be the starting catcher because he carries the ability to change the game with one strike and Hedges does not. That’s basically the same reason for choosing Jhonkensy over Brennan. Jhonkensy could run into one at any moment. The power you get from Jhonkensy and Bo is a free throw when their counterparts do nothing to contribute and don’t have the same advantage. – Xavier, North Olmsted, OH

When a player has little attacking power, he must make up for it with good defense. 1 – Hedges because he works better with most pitchers and calls a better game overall. 2 – Jhonkensy because he has a rifle arm with great accuracy. I’ve seen him throw out runners at home plate with pinpoint accuracy and range. —Sue, Kamuela, HI (via Canton, OH)

You have to go with the left-handed hitters. You go with the odds. Hedges cannot touch at all. Naylor gives you the best chance to hit. Noel, he hasn’t had a heartbeat in over a month. Brennan gives you the best chance of getting hit. He is a good defensive player. Noel left the bench late in the game with a lefty on the mound. Yes, but only late in the game. DeLauter and Bazzana can’t get here fast enough. Don’t forget Angel Martinez. A big mistake to take him off the roster. – Virgil, Gustavus, OH

Start with Hedges. Neither can hit, but he can block wild pitches and provides some veteran stability for pitchers. Start Noel. Better outfielder and has power. –Gary, Columbus, Ohio

I just believe that Vogt has won 95 games and he can decide how to deal with that. — Anonymous (area code 330)