Rays lead the best-of-five ALDS 1-0 after Drew Rasmussen’s near no-hitter and Jonathan Aranda’s homer produced a 1-0 Game 1 win at Tropicana Field. The Rays’ rotation depth, elite bullpen, and home-field advantage in Games 1, 2, and 5 favor shorter series outcomes, especially given their regular-season edge and low-scoring tendencies against New York. Yankees counter with AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler on the mound for Game 2 against Freddy Peralta, plus power from Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, and a rested lineup that exploded in the Wild Card round. Aaron Judge’s absence and Giancarlo Stanton’s limited return add uncertainty, while the 2-2-1 format and potential for Yankee Stadium rallies increase the chance of a full five games if New York avoids another shutdown.