Preparing to play a talented team like the New York Yankees is difficult enough. It becomes even more challenging when their best player, Aaron Judge, is questionable to be available in the series due to an injury. For the Tampa Bay Rays, however, they are preparing for the American League Division Series as if Judge will be available. If he ends up not playing, Tampa Bay can adjust accordingly.

“I was thinking that Aaron Judge was going to be there a week ago just so I'm not devastated when he's on,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday, via Jorge Castillo of ESPN. “I expect him playing right field, hitting third.”

The Yankees are expecting to make a final decision on Judge's injury status for the big series on Saturday ahead of Game 1.

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Judge missed a significant portion of the regular season due to a calf injury. He also missed the AL Wild Card Series because of injury. The Yankees would obviously love to have him return for the ALDS, but they are a dangerous team even without Judge. New York's pitching has been stellar throughout the season.

The Rays finished the regular season with the best record in the American League, though. They have an all-around talented ball club. The Yankees know the Rays will give them a serious challenge.

It should be a competitive series between the American League East rivals. Game 1 of the ALDS is scheduled for Saturday night at 6:30 PM ET at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay.