Yankees news: All aboard the Cole train

CBS Sports : Speaking of Rodón, Aaron Boone did note that the left-hander would factor in more heavily in the ALDS than the quick Wild Card sweep of the Red Sox, telling reporters the plan was for Rodon to start Game 3 or Game 4 of this series. That Rodón could be held back until Game 4 very much keeps alive the possibility of Rodón also pitching out of the bullpen in the beginning of the ALDS. Rodón is more than fully rested now, and would have four days rest before Game 4 if he pitched in relief in Game 1.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch : Just as crucial a decision as who starts Game 1 against the Rays is whether Aaron Judge appears at all in the ALDS. Judge has made his stance clear, stating his willingness and desire to play as soon as possible. Boone said Judge has progressed from running on an anti-gravity treadmill to running in the outfield, but has yet to run the bases. Ultimately, it's a complicated, high-stakes matrix. It's impossible to know if Judge is at grave risk of re-injury if he plays, and how effective he'll be if he takes the field. Whether he's on the roster also impacts how many pitchers the Yankees can carry, affects their decision-making regarding Giancarlo Stanton's inclusion on the roster, and on down.

ESPN : ESPN's team of MLB writers runs down the League Division Series, forecasting how each one could play out. They actually tab the Yankees as slight favorites over the Rays, regardless of whether Aaron Judge is able to suit up. However you splice it though, one thing is clear: this is the premier matchup on the American League side of the bracket. Bradford Doolittle goes as far as to call this the "Real ALCS," a designation I will not quibble with one bit.