Yankees Game 1 starter decision coming down to two choices

At least for one more day, the Yankees were keeping their ALCS Game 1 starter close to the vest.It will almost certainly be either Carlos Rodon or Clarke Schmidt on Monday against the Guardians, but manager Aaron Boone claimed the Yankees had not decided as of Saturday afternoon.“We’re going to let today unfold and then talk about it,” Boone said before the Guardians beat the Tigers in Game 5 of their ALDS series.“Probably make a decision tonight or [Sunday] morning.”Rodon, who started Game 2 of the ALDS, would be on turn for Game 1, but Schmidt, who started Game 3 against the Royals, would also be on regular rest to pitch Monday.

Whatever the Yankees decide, Gerrit Cole is expected to start Game 2.Boone said the opponent “could factor in a little bit.” The lefty Rodon did not face the Guardians during the regular season this year while Schmidt gave up two runs (one earned) in five innings against them in April.The Guardians — and their best hitter, Jose Ramirez — hit left-handers better, batting .251 with a .751 OPS compared to .233 with a .685 OPS against righties.The Yankees could also be weighing having Rodon pitch at Yankee Stadium or on the road.He pitched better at home during the regular season — a 3.11 ERA in The Bronx and a 4.69 ERA away from it — but his emotional style backfired on him in the ALDS.

He came out firing, striking out the side in the first inning against the Royals while leaning into the raucous crowd, but ran out of gas by a four-run fourth inning.“Hopefully you benefit from all these experiences you have,” Boone said.“Carlos, for as experienced as he is, hasn’t had a ton in the postseason.

I was really, really encouraged by how he came out throwing the ball, attacking the strike zone.But I’m sure there’s a lot of takeaways for him and hopefully things he can apply moving forward.”Luis Gil, not used in the ALDS, is expected to reenter the rotation for the ALCS, but he won’t be an option for Game 1.

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