After winning 99 games and returning to the top of the AL East, the New York Yankees are favored to reach the ALCS, which could see them face the Houston Astros for the AL pennant for the third time in six seasons. But first, there's the not so small matter of dispatching the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS.
Earning one of the top two seeds in the AL means that the Yankees are able to turn to their ace to open their MLB playoff run, as Gerrit Cole will draw the starting nod for tonight's Game 1 matchup at Yankee Stadium.
After pitching in Cleveland's postseason ope ner against the Tampa Bay Rays last Friday, Guardians ace Shane Bieber will draw the Game 2 start tomorrow night.
But the visitors will call upon one of the league's hottest pitchers, who didn't lose over the final three months of the regular season.