Overview

• Bellinger started in left field and batted third for Game 1 after receiving treatment for a bruised left heel sustained in the Wild Card clincher.
• Aaron Boone said Bellinger did not undergo tests, has improved over 48 hours, re-aggravated an older heel issue, and is expected to run well.
• The manager does not anticipate the heel affecting Bellinger at the plate, though he acknowledged visible limping at times when slowing down.
• Analysts cautioned that any reduction in Bellinger’s speed could diminish the Yankees’ outfield range and baserunning impact early in the series.
• The Blue Jays announced Bo Bichette would miss Game 1, changing the matchup context against a club that went 54-27 at Rogers Centre with a tested rotation.