Yankees Target Rays in ALDS After Wild Card Sweep

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The New York Yankees, having swept the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series without the help of Aaron Judge, are now turning their attention to the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Tampa Bay Rays, starting on Saturday. The Yankees’ powerful pitching staff, led by Cam Schlitter and Max Fried, played a crucial role in the victory over Boston, with Schlitter and Fried combining for a 0.73 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings.

Postseason Focus on Starting Pitching

Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of strong starting pitching in the postseason, noting that the team’s starters led the majors with a 3.30 ERA. “We’re going to continue to rely on amazing starting pitching like we have all year,” said Ben Rice, who contributed to the 9-2 win over Boston. “Especially in the postseason, that’s what you need.”

Boone is considering whether to open the ALDS with Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodón, both of whom are in good form. “Obviously, Gerrit’s lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play for that,” Boone said. “We have a ton of confidence in both guys. I think they’re both throwing the ball really well.”

Yankees’ Strategy Against the Rays

With an extra off day between Games 1 and 2, Schlitter is set to start Game 2, allowing him to return on normal rest for a potential Game 5. The Rays, however, have five days of rest due to their AL East title and bye week, which some in baseball believe may lead to rust. “The alternative is playing three must-win games or two out of three,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “I’ll take where we’re at.”

Despite the Rays’ strong season, including a 98-64 record and a .326 on-base percentage, the Yankees are confident in their ability to handle the challenge. “They faced so many guys for months there where we were very left-handed, where in the fifth inning every day it was one lefty and then another one because that’s how they attack us,” Boone said. “So I’d like to think some of that familiarity and reps and all that prepared us well.”

Young Stars Shine in Wild Card Series

Homegrown players like Ben Rice, Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr., Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells contributed significantly, combining for 11 RBIs. “The young guys have done a tremendous job,” said outfielder Cody Bellinger. “It’s been fun to watch. It’s fun to watch them grow and they’ve been a huge part of our success.”

With Judge still sidelined due to a strained right calf, the Yankees remain hopeful he will be ready for the ALDS. “Saturday’s a long ways away, but I’m doing everything I can, all morning, night, during the game, everything to prepare myself to be ready to go,” Judge said. “So I want to be in there. So we’ll see what happens.”

Source: OANN