The New York Yankees are set to play the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series. The Yankees know it will be a challenging series, but the Rays — despite how much regular season success they have had — have been an underwhelming postseason ball club over the years. Nevertheless, New York knows it needs to play its absolute best to upset the team that finished with the best record in the American League this season. While Gerrit Cole will start Game 1 and Cam Schlittler will take the mound in Game 2, Carlos Rodon could be the X-factor on the pitching staff.

According to Greg Joyce of New York Post Sports, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Rodon will likely start Game 3 or Game 4 but could also pitch out of the bullpen earlier in the series. Having a star left-handed starting pitcher as an option out of the bullpen could give the Yankees a crucial advantage in Game 1 or Game 2.

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New York may prefer to not have him pitch at all until Game 3 or Game 4 so he is completely fresh. If the moment calls for a Rodon appearance, though, Boone will strongly consider the idea. In a best-of-five series, you simply cannot afford to be too patient. Winning at least one game in Tampa Bay will be of the utmost importance.

Game 1 of the Yankees and Rays series is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM ET at Tropicana Field as Cole looks to lead his team to a big win to begin the series.