{"id":819233,"date":"2026-10-01T22:27:25","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T22:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/819233\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T22:27:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T22:27:25","slug":"ny-yankees-face-alds-pitching-decision-between-gerrit-cole-and-carlos-rodon-ahead-of-rays-matchup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/819233\/","title":{"rendered":"NY Yankees face ALDS pitching decision between Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon ahead of Rays matchup"},"content":{"rendered":"

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone faces a major rotation dilemma ahead of ALDS Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, weighing whether to send ace Gerrit Cole<\/a> or left-hander Carlos Rodon to the mound. Ahead of the series opener, the skipper has yet to reveal his starter for the critical matchup.<\/p>\n

\u201cGerrit\u2019s lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play for that. We have a ton of confidence in both guys,\u201d Boone told reporters following New York\u2019s Wild Card round victory over the Boston Red Sox.<\/p>\n

With Game 1 set for October 3, Boone is taking extra time to evaluate the ideal matchup against Tampa Bay. While both starters turned in strong regular-season campaigns, their contrasting pitch profiles offer distinct advantages against the Rays<\/a>\u2018 lineup.<\/p>\n

As Boone finalizes his game plan, he also addressed captain Aaron Judge\u2019s status, clarifying why the superstar outfielder skipped pregame player introductions<\/a> at Yankee Stadium while leaving his ALDS availability against Tampa Bay in question.<\/p>\n

\"Carlos<\/p>\n

Carlos Rodon #55 of the New York Yankees throws.<\/p>\n

Who gets the ball for Game 1 against the Rays?<\/p>\n

Rodon<\/a> makes a compelling case based on recent form, having closed out the regular season with a dominant 1.42 ERA across his final September outings\u2014headlined by an eight-inning, three-hit shutout against Tampa Bay on September 22.<\/p>\n

Beyond his hot hand down the stretch, his left-handed arsenal provides a tactical advantage against a Rays lineup heavily reliant on left-handed run producers, neutralizing key bats that drive Tampa Bay\u2019s run production.<\/p>\n

Conversely, the case for Cole rests on his status as the team\u2019s undisputed ace, backed by extensive big-stage credentials and a career 2.77 ERA across 22 postseason starts. While Cole proved prone to the long ball late in the year, his track record in high-leverage October settings gives the coaching staff full confidence in his ability to anchor the rotation.<\/p>\n

Projected Yankees lineup for ALDS Game 1 vs. Rays<\/p>\n

While the Game 1 starter remains a toss-up between Rodon and Cole, Boone\u2019s everyday batting order is beginning to take shape ahead of a pivotal series opener.<\/p>\n

Here is the Yankees<\/a>\u2018 projected lineup for Game 1 against the Rays:<\/p>\n

Trent Grisham \u2014 CF (L)Paul Goldschmidt \u2014 RF (R)Cody Bellinger \u2014 LF (L)Ben Rice \u2014 1B (L)Giancarlo Stanton \u2014 DH (R)Jazz Chisholm Jr. \u2014 2B (L)Austin Wells \u2014 C (L)Ryan McMahon \u2014 3B (L)Jose Caballero \/ Anthony Volpe \u2014 SS (R)<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher: Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodon<\/p>\n

Key takeawaysAaron Boone has yet to announce New York\u2019s ALDS Game 1 starting pitcher.The series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays is scheduled for October 3.Carlos Rodon posted a 1.42 ERA across his final September regular-season outings.<\/p>\n

SurveyWhich pitcher is more likely to start against the Rays?<\/p>\n

Which pitcher is more likely to start against the Rays?<\/p>\n

\"Santiago<\/a><\/p>\n