Yankees tab Cole to start Game 1 of ALDS against Rays

The New York Yankees have named Gerrit Cole as the starter for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Saturday, October 4, 2026. Cole, 36, is returning from Tommy John surgery performed in March 2025, posting a 10-9 record with a 3.61 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 22 starts this season after debuting on May 22. Cole was originally lined up for Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, but the Yankees swept Boston in two games, keeping Cole fresh for the ALDS opener.