MLB Postseason Preview: New York Yankees | ALDS
The New York Yankees pose on the field after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays to clinch first place in the AL East at Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada, Sept. 27, 2022, (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - The New York Yankees finished the 2022 regular season with a 99–63 record and the American League East title.
After a torrid first half in which they were on pace to win more than 110 games, the Yankees stumbled in the second half and fell one victory short of 100 wins. However, slugger Aaron Judge set a new AL record with 62 home runs and pitcher Gerrit Cole notched a new franchise record of 257 strikeouts.
The Bronx Bombers have now shifted their focus to winning the club's 28th World Series title. The Yankees' last trophy came in 2009 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Where Are the Yankees Seeded?
Under the new MLB playoff format, six teams from each league earn playoff spots: three division champions and three wild card teams.
By winning the AL East and having the second-best record among division winners, the Yankees are the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. They have a first-round bye and advance directly to the AL Division Series, for which they have home-field advantage.
"AL East champs — I mean, that's what we hope for in the regular season. We put ourselves in a good spot now. So I guess first mission accomplished in that regard, there's some satisfaction in that," manager Aaron Boone said. "But ... we want to win it all. And that's what we're focused on now."
Who Will the Yankees Play in the ALDS?
The Yankees will play the Cleveland Guardians (92–70 regular season) in the ALDS. The Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (86–76). The Yanks probably feel good about their chances: they're 5-1 against Cleveland this season. But anything can happen in a short series.
What Is the ALDS Schedule?
The ALDS is a best-of-five series.
Game 1 of the ALDS was on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx against Cleveland. UPDATE: The Yankees won 4-1.
Game 2 was rescheduled for Friday, Oct. 14, 1:07 p.m. at Yankee Stadium from Thursday due to weather.
Game 3 is set for Saturday, Oct. 15, 7:37 p.m. at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
If necessary, Game 4 would be on Sunday, Oct. 16, 7: 07 p.m. in Cleveland and Game 5 would be Monday, Oct. 17, 7:37 p.m. back in the Bronx.
What About the Yankees ALDS Roster?
Boone is handing the ball to Gerrit Cole for Game 1, Nestor Cortes for Game 2, and Luis Severino for Game 3.
Cole (13–8/3.50 ERA/257 K) will duel Cleveland's Cal Quantrill (15–5/3.38 ERA/128 K) in Game 1.
Miguel Castro, Domingo German, Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, Lucas Luetge, Wandy Peralta, Clarke Schmidt, Jameson Taillon, and Lou Trivino round out the pitching staff. Boone could trust either Holmes, an All-Star, or Loáisiga to close.
Oswaldo Cabrera, Josh Donaldson, Marwin Gonzalez, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres will staff the infield.
Harrison Bader, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Tim Locastro will patrol the outfield.
Giancarlo Stanton will DH but could also work the outfield, although he hasn't played in the field since July.
Matt Carpenter returns from injury to DH and pinch-hit.
José Trevino and Kyle Higashioka are the backstops.
Where to Watch and Listen to the ALDS
Fans can watch the games on television on TBS or listen on the radio on either WFAN 660/101.9 FM or WADO 1280.
This year, the NLDS and NLCS will air on either FOX 5 or Fox Sports 1 (FS1), and World Series will air on FOX 5.
New York Yankees Quick Facts
- Home Ballpark: Yankee Stadium | 1 E. 161st St., Bronx, New York | Opened: 2009 | Capacity: ~46,500
- American League East Division Titles: 20
- American League Titles: 40
- World Series Titles: 27
- 2022 Record: 99–63
- 2022 Manager: Aaron Boone
- 2022 General Manager: Brian Cashman
With The Associated Press.