Yankees Likely Lose Judge for ALDS as Game 1 Starter Remains Undecided
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2
Yankees Likely Lose Judge for ALDS as Game 1 Starter Remains Undecided
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2
Summary
Saturday’s ALDS opener at Tropicana Field is set to begin with Aaron Judge still likely unavailable, leaving New York without its star right fielder against top-seeded Tampa Bay.
Game 1 remains unresolved between Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, with Rodón’s left-handed matchup appeal boosted by the Rays’ 90 wRC+ against lefties, 26th in MLB.
Cam Schlittler is lined up for Game 2 after a 117-pitch outing Tuesday ruled him out for the opener, while Max Fried is the likely Game 3 starter on extra rest.
Ben Rice gives the Yankees a key lineup edge after hitting .356 with 7 homers against Tampa Bay this year, and Ryan Weathers is projected back to deepen the bullpen.
New York enters after sweeping Boston, but Tampa Bay carries home-field edge with a 55-26 home record and extra rest from its Wild Card bye.