“I totally respect Aaron Judge and what he means to that team, but I also respect that MLB needs to see its best players playing on a stage like this. There’s a certain disappointment with that,” Cash told reporters regarding the slugger’s missing status for the ALDS.

Despite early optimism that Judge would be ready for the series, the Yankees opted to exercise caution with his calf strain, likely eyeing his availability for deeper October runs as New York sets its sights on a World Series title.

Standing in their way is a formidable 98-win Rays squad. Fueled by breakout performances from stars like Junior Caminero and Chandler Simpson, Tampa Bay aims to punch its ticket to the ALCS and await the winner of the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox matchup.

How the Rays can capitalize on Aaron Judge’s absence

Judge’s absence strips the Yankees of their ultimate lineup protector, allowing Tampa Bay’s pitching staff to challenge surrounding hitters like Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton far more aggressively without the looming threat of an MVP-caliber bat waiting behind them.

Cash can also manage his bullpen with maximum leverage, deploying his top high-velocity relievers based on standard righty/lefty matchups rather than burning his best arms specifically to navigate Judge’s spot in the order.

Beyond pitching tactics, the Rays can exploit the physical drop-off in New York’s defensive alignment and overall lineup depth. Defensively, replacing Judge in right field deprives the Yankees of an elite arm and extensive coverage, opening up extra-base opportunities into the alleys and allowing Tampa Bay’s aggressive baserunners to press for extra bases with confidence.

Rays’ 26-man ALDS roster

• Pitchers (12)
  • Starting Pitchers: Drew Rasmussen (RHP) – Game 1 Starter, Freddy Peralta (RHP), Nick Martinez (RHP), Griffin Jax (RHP), Ian Seymour (LHP)
  • Relievers & Bullpen: Bryan Baker (RHP) – Closer, Tyler Wells (RHP), Kevin Kelly (RHP), Garrett Cleavinger (LHP), Cam Booser (LHP), Cole Sulser (RHP), Steven Matz (LHP)

• Catchers (2): Liam Hicks, Nick Fortes
• Infielders (6): Jonathan Aranda (1B), Junior Caminero (3B), Taylor Walls (SS), Richie Palacios (2B/UTL), Ben Williamson (3B/2B), Jorge Mateo (SS/UTL)
• Outfielders (5): Cedric Mullins (CF), Chandler Simpson (LF), Jonny DeLuca (RF/OF), Victor Mesa Jr. (OF), Ryan Vilade (OF),
• Designated Hitter (1): Yandy Diaz

Key takeaways

• Manager Kevin Cash expressed disappointment over Aaron Judge missing the ALDS.
• Tampa Bay enters the Division Series as a 98-win squad.
• Right-hander Drew Rasmussen is tabbed as Tampa Bay’s Game 1 starter.

“They have a very good lineup; they’ve been very good without him,” Cash said regarding Judge’s potential absence for the series. Still, the Rays skipper gave the slugger his respect, calling him “the best player in our sport.”

While Yankees fans remain eager for Judge’s return, Game 1 will take place on Tampa Bay’s home turf at Tropicana Field. Cash expects a packed house, anticipating the venue’s first playoff sellout since he took over as manager in 2015: “I’m really excited to see our fans fill this place up.”

With the Yankees already locking in their pitching rotation, the stage is set for an intense ALDS showdown. The winner will move on to face either the Cleveland Guardians or the Chicago White Sox in the ALCS.

Cash shares injury update on Tyler Wells

Fresh off an injury rehab stint, Tyler Wells could be called upon by Cash to bolster the roster against the Yankees. Speaking to reporters, the pitcher expressed complete confidence in his readiness for Game 1.

“I feel great. Working with the medical staff, they did a lot of good work and helped me get back on track,” Wells said. “The last couple of weeks have been great. I’m feeling good and ready to contribute.”

Rays’ potential lineup against the Yankees

Led by power-hitting infielder Junior Caminero and right-hander Drew Rasmussen on the mound, the Rays look to set the tone early in the series opener. Here is Tampa Bay’s projected lineup for Game 1:

1. Chandler Simpson (LF)
2. Jonathan Aranda (1B)
3. Junior Caminero (3B)
4. Yandy Díaz (DH)
5. Liam Hicks (C)
6. Richie Palacios (2B)
7. Cedric Mullins (CF)
8. Jonny DeLuca (RF)
9. Taylor Walls (SS)
10. Starting Pitcher: Drew Rasmussen (RHP)

Key takeaways

• Kevin Cash praised New York’s roster depth despite Aaron Judge’s uncertain status.
• Tropicana Field expects its first playoff sellout since 2015 for Game 1.
• Pitcher Tyler Wells confirmed he feels great and ready following his rehab stint.

That’s why Kevin Cash put the ball in Blake Snell’s hands. The southpaw dominated the Dodgers’ offense in an elegant fashion in Game 2and looked like the perfect man to tie the series up and force Game 7.

As expected, Snell was dealing since the very start of the game. Fast-forward to the top of the sixth inning, and the Rays were holding on to a 1-0 lead behind Snell’s 9 Ks, and just one hit. Then, Kevin Cash happened.

After one hit, Cash yanked Snell out of the game after 5.1 IP and just 73 pitches. He didn’t want the Dodgers’ lineup to see him for the third time, even though he had struck out the top of the order twice and had shown no signs of fatigue whatsoever.

The rest, as you know by now, is history. Mookie Betts doubled,NickAnderson threw a wild pitch, allowed a hit, and all of a sudden the Dodgers led 2-1. Snell, as expected, was clearly upset about what happened, although he didn’t question Cash’s call to take him out.

Blake Snell Reacts To Kevin Cash’s Decision

“I am definitely disappointed and upset. I just want the ball. I felt good. I did everything I could to prove my case to stay out there, and then for us to lose, it sucks. I want to win, and I want to win the World Series, and for us to lose, it just sucks,” Snell said.

“I am not going to question him. He’s a helluva manager, so I am not going to question him. And I can only look forward to what I am going to accomplish this offseason. But we came up short, and the only thing I can focus on is what I can be better at next year,” he concluded.

It’s hard to judge Cash for doing exactly what took his team to the World Series. He always dealt with his pitchers that way when he was in the lead so there was no reason to think that he’d choose a different path this time.

Then again, baseball goes way beyond analytics. Snell had the Dodgers’ tied-up, and they struggled vs. lefties for most of the season. Had Snell stayed on the mound, chances are that we would be talking about Game 7 right now. Instead, they continue to be one of the few teams that have never won a World Series.