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Yankee killers, local ties and what to know about Rays before ALDS

As the American League Division Series gets underway in St. Petersburg between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees, several compelling storylines define the matchup.

Game one starter Drew Rasmussen brings a stellar career ERA against New York into the postseason following an unconventional journey that featured multiple major elbow operations. Teammate Nick Martinez, who played collegiately at Fordham and previously had to leave Yankee Stadium as an unruly spectator, anchors the pitching staff alongside manager Kevin Cash, a former Yankees player who earned a championship ring with the franchise.

Additional bullpen strength comes from Bryan Baker, who tied for the major league lead in regular-season saves, and left-hander Cam Booser, whose improbable comeback story includes a brief retirement, construction work, and overcoming a series of severe injuries.

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