Three keys to the Yankees-Blue Jays ALDS

"Starting pitching was the story of the Yankees' three-game victory over the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, from Garrett Crochet's brilliance in Game 1 to Cam Schlittler's dominance in Game 3. Schlittler (eight innings) and Max Fried (6 1/3) pitched shutout ball. Carlos Rodon allowed three runs in six innings with the season on the line in the Yankees' 4-3 win in Game 2."

"Now comes a more powerful offensive opponent in Toronto in the Division Series, and the Yankees will have to use a fourth starter in the first game, with Luis Gil getting the nod over Will Warren. From Games 2-4, it's Fried, Rodon and Schlittler, with Fried lined up for a potential Game 5 in Toronto. That's good for the Yankees."

"In reality, Kirk is a career .262 hitter with 17 doubles, six homers, 27 RBIs and a .778 OPS in 62 games against the Yankees. Still, with shortstop Bo Bichette unlikely to play because of a left knee sprain, Kirk will be a big out for the Yankees to get along with stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer. Guerrero loves to hit against the Yankees and especially at Yankee Stadium (.308, 16 homers and a 1.002 OPS in 48 games in the Bronx)."

Yankees starting pitching dominated the Wild Card Series, highlighted by Garrett Crochet, Cam Schlittler and Max Fried, with Carlos Rodon delivering a key outing. The Yankees will open the Division Series with Luis Gil as a fourth starter, then rely on Fried, Rodon and Schlittler, with Fried available for a potential Game 5 in Toronto. The Blue Jays have reliable arms in Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber, but their rotation depth is uncertain because of Chris Bassitt's back issue, Max Scherzer's recent ineffectiveness, and rookie Trey Yesavage's inexperience. Toronto's lineup still packs power from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Alejandro Kirk, while Bo Bichette's knee sprain raises concern. The Yankees need more home run production to complement their pitching advantage.

Read at Newsday