Cole to Open ALDS for Yankees Against Rays' Drew Rasmussen

Yankees give Gerrit Cole the Game 1 start to lean on their deep rotation against a Rays team that finished 98-64 with five days of rest.

Overview

Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday against Drew Rasmussen, a matchup confirmed by team reports.
New York is emphasizing its starting rotation as its postseason edge after sweeping the Wild Card round, with Cam Schlittler and Max Fried combining for a 0.73 ERA in that series.
Tampa Bay enters with the best AL regular-season record at 98-64 and five days off after winning the AL East, bringing a contact-and-speed offense and strong left-handed pitching.
Aaron Judge remains day-to-day after resuming batting practice following a right calf strain that sidelined him since Sept. 16 and the Yankees are monitoring his availability for the opener.
Key things to watch are manager Aaron Boone's rotation sequencing, Kevin Cash's handling of a long layoff for hitters and pitchers, and Rasmussen's sustained form after returning from prior elbow surgery.