Photo via MLB.com

Yankees tab Cole to start Game 1 of ALDS against Rays

The New York Yankees have named veteran right-hander Gerrit Cole to take the mound for the opening game of their American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. This upcoming matchup on Saturday at Tropicana Field marks Cole's twenty-third postseason appearance and his first since the conclusion of the 2024 World Series.

Opposing Cole will be Tampa Bay right-hander Drew Rasmussen, who posted a strong 2.67 ERA during the 2026 season. Cole brings extensive history against this division rival, having faced the franchise twenty-three times in the regular season and four times in the playoffs.

Up nextMLB· 1h ago

Ohtani’s injuries lingering into postseason, and even he can’t pinpoint what’s behind them