The article calls the Yankees AL favorites despite Aaron Judge's calf injury and uncertain Wild Card availability, citing their deep rotation and bullpen with MLB's second-lowest ERA. New York has allowed the fewest runs and scored more than all but one AL playoff team.
Manager Aaron Boone said Judge is expected to miss the Wild Card round, but Judge pushed back on that assessment Wednesday; the article says the injury's timing leaves his return uncertain. The rotation is led by Cam Schlittler, Max Fried and Gerrit Cole, with Carlos Rodón expected to move to the bullpen for the Wild Card.
New York faces Boston in a best-of-three Wild Card series. Jon Morosi cited a 7-6 Yankees record against the Red Sox, with Judge appearing in three games, and Boston averaging three runs per game against New York. The article says Boston starter Garrett Crochet may be limited to a bullpen role and could be rusty.
