- Big pitching matchup: Yankees' veteran Gerrit Cole (back from Tommy John) faces Rays' ace Drew Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA), who’s been especially tough on New York in the past.
- Schedule twist—Cole was bumped up to start Game 1 after the Yankees swept Boston, a momentum boost and surprise shift for the series.
- Rays enter with the AL’s best record (98 wins) and home-field advantage at a renovated Tropicana Field, though they played 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field after hurricane damage.
The news, distilled into what matters.
Get the full experience in the app — topics, comments, and audio summaries.