The Yankees face a critical decision over their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, set for Saturday at Tropicana Field. Manager Aaron Boone has left the choice between Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole open, with both seen as strong options for the opener.
Rodon finished the regular season on a high note, delivering eight shutout innings against the Rays on September 22 at Yankee Stadium, lowering his ERA to 1.42 over four September starts. Cole, meanwhile, holds a 2.45 ERA in three starts this season against Tampa Bay and has a 3.32 ERA over 10 career starts at Tropicana Field. Boone said, “Obviously, Gerrit's lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play (and) we have a ton of confidence in both guys,” indicating the final decision remains under organizational discussion.
Cam Schlittler, the Yankees’ starter who helped sweep the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, appears likely to start Game 2 on normal rest. Schlittler, who posted a 1.16 ERA in 17 road starts this season, also positions himself as the probable starter if the series extends to a decisive Game 5, which would be back at Tropicana Field.
The Yankees completed their two-game sweep of Boston with a combined 18-2 scoring margin, thanks largely to dominant pitching from Schlittler, Max Fried, and five relievers. Schlittler expressed confidence after the clinch, saying, “If we keep pitching the way we’re pitching, we’ll be able to dominate all the way to the World Series.”
The Rays, AL East champions, present a more formidable challenge. Carlos Rodon acknowledged their strengths, noting, “They bring speed to the game… they’re going to be running, bunting − you don’t see that much in the game anymore.” He described Tampa Bay as “a solid club” and predicted a competitive series.
Roster decisions remain fluid, especially regarding the pitching staff and the status of Aaron Judge. Boone is considering carrying only 10 pitchers into the ALDS, relying on off days after Games 1, 2, and 4 to manage workload. The Yankees previously carried five starters into the Wild Card Series, including Will Warren, allowing flexibility in roster moves. Ryan Weathers, recovering from a flexor strain, could join the pitching staff for the Division Series.
Judge’s availability will influence roster composition. The Yankees must decide whether to include him alongside Giancarlo Stanton, who may be limited to pinch-hitting duties. Judge is less than three weeks removed from a moderate right calf strain near his Achilles tendon and has not played defensively on Tropicana Field’s artificial surface. He might only be available as a pinch hitter before Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, marking three weeks since his injury.
The Yankees have yet to reveal their full roster for the ALDS, and Boone has not indicated when the decision on the Game 1 starter will be finalized. The series begins Saturday at 1:07 p.m. ET, with the Rays holding home-field advantage as division champs.
According to Yahoo Sports.