Former Hall of Fame pitcher CC Sabathia shared his thoughts on who might start for the New York Yankees in their upcoming American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Although the decision isn’t his, Sabathia has an idea of who it could be. Speaking during a studio show on Peacock after the Yankees’ victory over the Boston Red Sox, Sabathia mentioned that Gerrit Cole is likely to take the mound on Saturday in Tampa Bay.
“Yeah, and then (Carlos) Rodon after that,” Sabathia added. “Now they’re set up with two other aces to start the first two games.”
During his career, Sabathia played a significant role in the Yankees’ success, appearing in 18 postseason games from 2009 to 2019. His postseason record stands at 8-4 with a 3.42 ERA. Sabathia, now an analyst with NBC Sports, did not anticipate the Yankees’ pitchers would perform as dominantly against the Red Sox, as they did this week.
The Yankees recorded a historic feat with 26 scoreless innings against Boston, marking the longest streak against a single opponent in their postseason history. Although this streak concluded with a 9-2 victory over the Red Sox, Boston’s lackluster performance ensured the Yankees’ progression to Tampa.
Cam Schlittler and Max Fried both contributed to the Yankees’ effort against Boston, combining to allow only one run over 12.1 innings in the two wild-card games. Both will likely be rested and ready for a potential start in Game 3 on October 7, should Yankees manager Aaron Boone decide.
No surprise would come if Cole started Game 1. After returning from Tommy John surgery, Cole finished the regular season with a 10-9 record and a 3.61 ERA in 22 starts. He proved vital to the Yankees’ postseason success in 2024, ending with a 1-0 record and a 2.17 ERA in his five starts and helping the team reach the World Series for the first time since 2009. His anticipated ALDS start will be his first postseason appearance since the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.