BRONX, NY — Regardless of fighting to be the team to come out of an overwhelmingly mediocre American League, the Yankees will understandably like their chances against anyone because of the embarrassment of riches they have in the starting rotation.
The Bronx Bombers lived up to their name in their dominant American League Wild Card Series by scoring 18 runs in the two-game sweep, but the pitching stole the show.
AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler continued his historic ownership of Boston, striking out 10 and allowing just two hits over 6.1 scoreless innings in Game 1 on Tuesday. The next night, Max Fried yielded just one run on three hits with six strikeouts in six innings.
“Definitely in a good spot,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “We’ve got everyone healthy and kind of we’re nice and lined up going into the next series. We’re excited about it.”
You wouldn’t be alone if you felt like the stars were aligning advantageously for the Yankees. Their rotation battled injuries all season, with Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodon all spending significant stretches on the injured list.
Now all four of those big arms are available, and the work from Schlittler and Fried in the Wild Card Series ensured that Rodon, who was included on the roster as a potential option out of the bullpen, did not have to be burned in a relief appearance, meaning he and Cole are in play for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.
They play a unique style. They’re really good at it, and they’re really convicted in it, and they have a really high execution rate. So it just makes them tough. That’s why they won the most games in the American League.
“They were superb,” Rodon said of his staffmates. “They dominated their games, they gave us a chance to win, kept us in the lead. So I’m excited to get my chance. I’m just here to win, so whatever it takes.”
When asked if all four arms will get starts in the ALDS, Boone said “it’s definitely possible.”
“We’ll talk about that,” the skipper continued. “Obviously, Gerrit’s lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play for that. We have a ton of confidence in both guys. I think they’re both throwing the ball really well. That will be what we do here these next couple of days as we get ready.”
What’s waiting for them is the best team in the American League. The Rays continue to defy the outdated trope that teams need to spend big to win, taking 98 games and winning the AL East behind a unique blend of small ball, some big bats in the middle of the lineup led by MVP candidate Junior Caminero, and sound pitching.
“They got a great pitching staff,” injured captain Aaron Judge said. “Up and down the lineup, there are guys that put the ball in play. They’re going to make our pitching staff work, and that’s what they do all year. They make the pitching staff work. They got those guys in the middle of their order that will hit some homers, hit for some slugs. But they play fundamental baseball, and they’re a team that’s going to grind out a game with you. Those are the opponents you look forward to. There’s going to be a grind the next five games, but I think the boys are excited and ready to go.”
Tampa is near the top of nearly every major statistical leaderboard in the American League. They ranked fourth in runs scored, first in hits, first in stolen bases, first in batting average, fifth in on-base percentage, and they struck out the fewest times. Their pitching staff allowed the third-fewest runs per game in the AL, and the second-fewest hits.
The Yankees went 6-7 during the regular season against the Rays, but everyone knows the postseason is a brand-new year, and the Yankees’ pitching staff has never been better.
“I think a really good blend, a really good mix of looks, to be honest,” Cole said of what makes this group so special. “Four, five unique arms. I know maybe we don’t get into the fifth or sixth this time of year, but two completely different looks back-to-back nights with elite run prevention, however you want to draw it up. And then Carlos and we take the ball, and we’re just a little bit unique in the way we do it.”
“There’s no question I feel great about those guys, obviously,” Boone added. “That’s been the biggest strength for us throughout the year. It sustained us. It got us through some difficult times. And I feel like they’re all in a good place right now.
“That’s one of the ways we’re going to have to do it, obviously leaning on the strength of those guys. But I like where they’re at.”
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