ALDS Opens With Two Divisional Matchups

The American League Division Series features two divisional matchups: the 98-win Tampa Bay Rays against the New York Yankees, and the Cleveland Guardians against the Chicago White Sox. New York advanced by sweeping Boston in the Wild Card round, outscoring the Red Sox 18-2; Gerrit Cole is set to face Drew Rasmussen in Game 1, with Aaron Judge’s availability uncertain. Tampa Bay won the regular-season series against New York 7-6 and took the AL East, while the Yankees finished strong against the Rays and have a pitching edge; the Rays bring a contact-heavy, speed-oriented offense. Cleveland’s Parker Messick is set to face Chicago rookie left-hander Hagen Smith, who impressed in the Wild Card round; Cleveland went 7-6 against Chicago in the regular season. Chicago’s home games are scheduled for afternoon starts, the series will air on TBS and HBO Max, and a fan blackout is planned; some coverage has criticized the playoff format for pitting the AL’s top two regular-season teams against each other in the Division Series.