Before the start of the ALDS, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a decision about starter Carlos Rodon.
The New York Yankees advanced over the Boston Red Sox in the American League wild-card series, sweeping their rivals over two games.
It was an impressive feat for the Yankees, and now the team will be facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. This will be a major test for New York, but the team is feeling very confident entering the series.
New York has a strong starting rotation to work with, and they believe this group can give them a chance against any team. Tampa Bay was the best team in the AL this season, but the Yankees saw success against them.
The Yankees went 6-7 against the Rays this season, showing that the series was fairly even. This could bode well for New York in the playoff series, and both sides are eager to get going this weekend.
Tampa Bay has home-field advantage in the series, meaning that the first two games will be played on the road for the Yankees. However, if New York can grab one of the first games, it could set them up well for the remainder of the series.
But ahead of Game 1, Yankees manager Aaron Boone did make a declaration around the starter for Game 3 or Game 4. Boone said that left-hander Carlos Rodon would be getting the ball when the series shifts back to New York.
His status for the series will likely depend on how the first few games go for the Yankees. New York will be handing the ball to ace Gerrit Cole for Game 1, with right-hander Cam Schlittler going in Game 1.
During the regular season, Rodon had a nice year for the Yankees, posting a 2.67 ERA over 16 starts. The left-hander threw 84.1 innings, striking out 91 batters in the process.
But the Yankees will need him to come through in the playoffs, and this is an area that historically, he has struggled with. Over his career, Rodon has a 7.53 ERA in eight postseason appearances (seven starts).
New York will need the left-hander to pitch much better this year, giving this team a chance to win. Especially if he does start against the Rays, Rodon will need to be careful as Tampa Bay isn't a team that normally beats itself.
The Yankees and Boone will be counting on the veteran lefty to continue his strong play from the season. And if he can, this could be a special October in the Bronx.
