Yankees reveal pitching plans ahead of ALDS Game 1

The New York Yankees have made their decision for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Gerrit Cole expected to get the ball Saturday night. While the decision is not entirely surprising, Carlos Rodón had a strong case to start after finishing the MLB regular season in better form.

Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 of ALDS for the Yankees. pic.twitter.com/8R9ibYhkpw

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Cole was already lined up to start a potential Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, while Rodón had been preparing for a possible Game 1 assignment if the series went the distance. That setup made Cole the natural choice for Game 1 against Tampa Bay.

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Cole gets the nod despite uneven finish

Jun 9, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Cole’s overall 2026 numbers were solid, but his return from Tommy John surgery has come with some inconsistency. He finished the regular season with a 3.63 ERA and 123 strikeouts over 121 1/3 innings, while his September numbers were considerably less impressive.

In five September starts, Cole went 3-2 with a 5.08 ERA and struggled at times with the long ball. That makes his Game 1 assignment particularly interesting given the importance of the opening game in a best-of-five series.

There is also reason for the Yankees to have confidence in Cole against Tampa Bay. He went 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts against the Rays during the regular season.

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Rodón was making a strong case

Aug 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Rodón arguably had the better case based on how he finished the regular season. The left-hander went 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in four September starts and finished his regular-season matchup against Tampa Bay with eight scoreless innings on Sept. 22.

That recent consistency had made Rodón a legitimate candidate to open the series, especially with the Yankees having four established starters available in Cole, Rodón, Cam Schlittler and Max Fried.

Ultimately, New York appears prepared to trust Cole in Game 1 before turning to Schlittler in Game 2. Rodón or Fried will then be positioned for Game 3, giving the Yankees multiple opportunities to use their deep rotation throughout the best-of-five series

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