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After a narrow 1-0 defeat in Game 1, the New York Yankees turn to rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler to square the best-of-five American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Schlittler, the club's young ace, will start Monday night at Tropicana Field, where the Yankees hope to rebound from a tough loss.
Catcher Austin Wells will be in the lineup, looking to shift the narrative after a critical baserunning mistake in Game 1 that continues to linger among the fanbase. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Rodon's Potential Impact
Veteran left-hander Carlos Rodon could emerge as a secret weapon for the Yankees, possibly available out of the bullpen in Games 2 or 3. Rodon was dominant in September, going 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA over four starts and holding opponents to a .430 OPS. His final regular-season outing was a scoreless eight-inning gem against the Rays at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 22, nearly two weeks ago.
There is some concern about whether Rodon has maintained his sharpness while waiting for his next opportunity. He and fellow lefty Max Fried are candidates to start Game 3 or 4 in the Bronx, depending on how Game 2 unfolds. On Thursday, Rodon threw four simulated innings against live hitters at Yankee Stadium, and manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rodon could be available in relief for Games 2 or 3. If Rodon is used out of the bullpen, Gerrit Cole would remain on regular rest to start a potential Game 4.
Scouting Freddy Peralta
The Rays will counter with right-hander Freddy Peralta, a two-time All-Star who struggled earlier this season with the Mets (4.99 ERA in 22 starts) but revived his form after being traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline. In 10 starts with the Rays, Peralta went 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA, and over his last six regular-season starts, he is 5-0 with a 0.79 ERA. Boone noted that Tampa Bay has done a good job evolving Peralta's pitch mix, emphasizing his changeup to complement his fastball.
Peralta faced the Yankees once this year, allowing three runs in five innings for the Mets on May 17, a game in which he issued a season-high six walks. The Yankees may look to replicate that patient approach against him.
Yankees' Workouts and Injury Updates
Staying in Tampa, the Yankees utilized their spring training facility at Steinbrenner Field for Sunday's off-day workout. Aaron Judge, recovering from a strained right calf and left off the ALDS roster, participated in running and live hitting. Boone said Judge is "trying to stack another good day" as he works toward a potential return for the AL Championship Series, should the Yankees advance. Boone added that the training facilities and Trajekt hitting machines at Steinbrenner Field made it a better option than Tropicana Field.
Stanton's Readiness
Giancarlo Stanton, who struck out in a five-pitch at-bat as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of Game 1, is ready to contribute. It was his first at-bat since April 24, when he began dealing with a series of calf strains. Boone expressed confidence in Stanton, saying, "I like where he's at, he's on things, he's recognizing pitches well. He'll continue to be a threat for us the rest of the series."
"Big G is ready to go," Boone added. "He's been getting in his reps."
Originally reported by yahoo.