Yankees vs. Rays: 3 things to watch in ALDS Game 1

The Rays are fresh, having not played since their regular season finale on Sunday, Sep. 27. They've got their pitching set the way they want, with ace Drew Rasmussen starting the opener, and their bullpen arms having had the time to reset.

But the Yanks are surging with confidence after outscoring the Red Sox, 18-2, over two blowouts that were played without star Aaron Judge , who remains out for the ALDS due to injury . Those games were so lopsided that the Yankees did not have to stress their high-leverage relievers and their terrific rotation flexed two strong starts, one each for Cam Schlittler and Max Fried .

Gerrit Cole will take the mound in Game 1 for New York, with Schlittler is set for Games 2 and 5, if necessary.