In the bottom of the sixth, Volpe crushed a drive to deep outfield that initially looked like a home run as Victor Mesa Jr. tracked it to the wall. Replay review, however, showed fan interference: a spectator reached over the wall to catch the ball directly above Mesa Jr.’s outstretched glove.

Following the review, umpires ruled the play an RBI ground-rule double rather than a home run. The call limited the Yankees to a single run on the play, denying Volpe a trip across home plate and keeping a second run off the board.

The ruling infuriated the home crowd and sparked widespread debate, given its massive implications: a home run would have tied the game late in the sixth and dramatically altered the momentum of the elimination matchup.

Volpe answers the bell despite loss

Given the nod by Boone, Volpe seized the opportunity to prove his regular-season struggles were behind him. His sharp two-way play provided the coaching staff and fanbase a clear reminder that he is built for high-stakes October baseball.

Volpe provided a crucial offensive spark for the Yankees, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored while anchoring the bottom of the order from second base. Driving the ball deep into the outfield to bring home a run, he quickly capitalized on the momentum by advancing on the basepaths and scoring himself on Spencer Jones’ subsequent double.

Still, the Yankees ended up losing 4-3, being swept by the Rays in a painful playoff elimination.

Key takeaways

• A fan reached over the outfield wall and caught Anthony Volpe’s sixth-inning drive.
• Umpires reviewed the play and ruled Volpe’s drive an RBI ground-rule double.
• Volpe finished the game 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored a run.

Holding a 2-0 series lead, the Rays have leaned on standout performances from Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Diaz, and Junior Caminero. Tampa Bay will look to keep that momentum going as they aim to close out the series today.

On the other hand, the Yankees enter Game 3 facing scrutiny after manager Aaron Boone defended Jazz Chisholm Jr. following a costly late-game defensive misplay in Game 2.

What happens if the Yankees win vs. Rays?

If the Yankees win today, they will force a Game 4 in the ALDS. After dropping the first two games of the series, a victory gives New York a chance to pull even on home turf.

A Yankees win would also shift pressure back to Tampa Bay, preventing the Rays from sweeping and bringing a potential winner-take-all Game 5 into play with an ALCS berth on the line.

What happens if the Yankees and Rays tie?

Major League Baseball games cannot end in a tie. If the Yankees and Rays remain deadlocked at the end of nine innings today, they will play extra innings until a winner is decided, either via a walk-off in the bottom half or by the home team holding a lead after the visiting team scores.

It is worth noting that postseason rules drop the regular-season “ghost runner” format, meaning every extra inning starts with clean bases just like the first inning.

What happens if the Yankees lose to the Rays?

If the Yankees lose today, they will be eliminated from postseason contention. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will advance to the ALCS to face the winner of the Guardians-White Sox series for a spot in the World Series.

A loss for the New York Yankees would mark another disappointing October exit, extending the 27-time champions’ World Series title drought to 17 consecutive seasons.

Key takeaways

• Holding a 2-0 series lead, Tampa Bay aims to close out the ALDS.
• Postseason games cannot end in a tie and feature no ghost runner in extra innings.
• A victory by Tampa Bay would eliminate New York and extend their 17-year title drought.

Instead, the Yankees’ dugout-boss urged the team to turn the page. That’s not to say the mistakes made by Chisholm Jr. and company in Game 2 will be brushed aside and left unaddressed, but it signals New York won’t beat around a dead horse. What’s done is done. The Yankees must move on and turn around a 0-2 series deficit. If they fail, then history will judge them.

“Yeah, some good defenders that didn’t make a couple of plays. We’ve got to get over it, though,” Boone said after Game 2 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field. “As simple as that. We can’t dwell on what just happened to us, we’ve got to come ready playing for our lives Wednesday night and I expect this team to do that. We’ve stared a lot of uncertainty in the face all year and these guys have responded time and time again. We need to do that again right now.“

One of those nights for NY Yankees

The Yankees are largely to be blamed for putting themselves in the less-than-favorable position they are in. However, they have had some tough luck so far against the Rays. Game 2 best exemplified it.

With the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Cody Bellinger made solid contact with a ball that felt destined for a trip over the wall. It came up just short and the inning was over.

What could’ve been a 5-1 lead for the Bronx Bombers midway through Game 2 turned into that exact lead for the home team in the bottom of the inning. Again, the Yankees must let bygones be bygones, else their chances of surviving elimination in the 2026 MLB Postseason will be slim and none.

Yankees abandoned what worked before

The Yankees are looking different from their AL Wild Card version. If they deserved praise for weathering Aaron Judge’s absence last round — and actually playing smarter baseball as a result — the Pinstripers deserve equal criticism for steering away of it in the ALDS.

Obviously, the Rays’ lineup offers a tougher challenge, but it may be no excuse for the Yankees abandoning what previously worked. New York had shown a side it rarely did. The Yanks didn’t rely on the typical home-run-or-bust strategy they had in previous postseasons, but are falling back on that sword again.

As great as Ben Rice’s play has been this postseason, the fact his solo homers are the only runs New York has been able to put on the board against Tampa Bay is very telling. Standing between a rock and a hard place, the Yankees have no choice but to pull off an improbable 180-degree turn, or the season will be over.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone urged the Yankees to move on after Game 2 mistakes.
• New York blew a potential 5-1 lead after Cody Bellinger’s flyout ended the fifth inning.
• Solo home runs by Ben Rice account for all of New York’s ALDS scoring.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Rays got off to a great start and had runners on first and second base as Junior Caminero stepped up to the plate. He hit a ground ball that shortstop George Lombard Jr. handed to Chisholm Jr. for an out at second. Instead of settling for the one-out play, Jazz went for the double play, making an ill-advised throw to first that missed Luis Garcia by a mile. That error allowed Yandy Diaz to open the scoring and Caminero to reach second.

With his back turned and in an awkward position, the odds of Chisholm making that throw were very low, and in such a high-stakes scenario, Aaron Boone would’ve instructed the pending free agent to hold on to the ball 10 out of 10 times. Following the 5-2 loss that pushed the Yankees to the brink of elimination and was filled with errors on defense for New York, Chisholm Jr. dropped a bold statement about his error, one that fans didn’t take lightly.

“Honestly, I’d probably still throw it,” Chisholm Jr. said, via Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, on the play. “The play was trying to be made. I just feel like I could have probably tried to make an even better throw. Where I’d throw it, I’d try and throw it a little more closer to the base. My back was turned.”

Yankees fans bash Jazz

The error in the first inning of Game 2 of the ALDS might as well recap Chisholm’s year in a nutshell. It’s been that type of season for the soon-to-be free agent in MLB, and he’s been hearing it from fans all year long.

If his errors, subpar batting numbers, and eyebrow-raising comments are combined with the fact that qualifying offers in MLB will only get more expensive, it might put the writing on the wall for Jazz’s time in The Bronx. Clearly, most fans on social media have made up their minds.

“Chisholm is hopeless. He’s a legend in his own mind,” one fan wrote on X. “Saying ‘even better’ is implying the throw was good to begin with. That (expletive) ball landed back in Yankee stadium,” another one replied to Chisholm’s statement. “If you as a player are hitting the deck as you are going to throw, don’t throw it. Your odds of making an accurate throw are slim to none. Jazz’s pride is what will always outweigh his immense talent,” a Yankees fan stated.

Rough outing for NY Yankees

For the second straight game at Tropicana Field, the Yankees didn’t quite look like themselves. They have seemingly turned away from what was working after doing all the right things against the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card. Obviously, the Rays are a much better team, but it’s often through self-inflicted injuries that the Pinstripers hurt themselves.

As much controversy as his comment on the error may bring, Chisholm described the game perfectly during his locker room media availability. “We beat ourselves today in a lot of ways,” he said.

New York has its back against the wall, only one loss away from the 2026 season being over. Once that happens, Pandora’s box will open in The Bronx, with Chisholm Jr. likely to be one of the first to feel the immediate effects, and a long winter of questions will begin.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. made a first-inning throwing error during Game 2 of the ALDS.
• The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the New York Yankees 5-2, placing New York on the brink of elimination.
• “Honestly, I’d probably still throw it,” Chisholm Jr. said regarding his errant throw.

It is a difficult scenario for the Yankees. If the Rays take Game 2, consider the series done. Then there is not much you can take comfort in for the Yankees because they are in the same spot they were in last year.

Unless the worst happens, though, there should be some level of optimism if the Yankees can split the series before heading back home. Consider that a win, even if the bats went silent the way they did in Game 1.

What happens if the Yankees win vs Rays?

If the Yankees win, they will even the best-of-five series at 1-1. This ensures they shift back to New York for Game 3 with momentum and avoid a dangerous series deficit against the Rays.

What happens if the Yankees and Rays tie?

A tie is not possible between the Yankees and Rays. An MLB postseason game cannot end in a tie; if the score is tied after nine innings, teams play extra innings without a ghost runner until one team takes the lead.

Teams keep playing extra full innings or until the home team scores the winning run in the bottom half of an inning. There is no limit on how many innings a playoff game can last.

What happens if the Yankees lose vs Rays?

If the Yankees lose, they will fall into a brutal 0-2 series deficit and face near-immediate elimination. Heading back to Yankee Stadium, they would have to win three straight games to advance to the ALCS.

Key takeaways

• A 1-1 series tie is sought by the New York Yankees in Game 2.
• Extra innings will be played if the score is tied after nine innings.
• Three straight games must be won to advance following an 0-2 deficit.

“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.

The Yankees officially finalized their 26-man roster, announcing that left-hander Ryan Weathers will be part of the staff for the ALDS. His inclusion provides immediate depth and versatility for manager Aaron Boone’s arms as they prepare for Tampa Bay’s lineup.

Weathers, who missed significant time due to injury, worked aggressively to return to full strength down the stretch. His recovery comes at an ideal moment, offering New York a valuable left-handed arm to navigate high-leverage situations in the postseason.

While ace Gerrit Cole has been tabbed to take the ball for Game 1, Weathers headlines an 11-pitcher staff task force designed to handle the multi-game series against the Rays.

The full list of pitchers for the ALDS

With Weathers added to the fold, the Yankees aim to construct a pitch-matching advantage over Tampa Bay and punch their ticket to the ALCS, where the winner of the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox awaits.

Here is the full 11-man pitching staff confirmed for the series:

• Starting Pitchers
  • Gerrit Cole (RHP)
  • Max Fried (LHP)
  • Carlos Rodón (LHP)
  • Cam Schlittler (RHP)
  • Will Warren (RHP)
• Relief Pitchers & Bullpen
  • David Bednar (RHP)
  • Paul Blackburn (RHP)
  • Brent Headrick (LHP)
  • John Schreiber (RHP)
  • Ryan Weathers (LHP)
  • Ryan Yarbrough (LHP)

Weathers’ numbers this season

If Boone calls upon Weathers against Tampa Bay, the southpaw offers a proven track record from the regular season. Here is a look at his statistical profile heading into October:

• Games (Starts): 25 (25)
• Win-Loss Record: 5–8
• ERA: 3.60
• Innings Pitched: 137.1
• Strikeouts: 143
• WHIP: 1.22
• K/9 Rate: 9.38

Key takeaways

• Ryan Weathers was added to the 26-man roster for the ALDS.
• Ace Gerrit Cole was tabbed to start Game 1.
• The series features an 11-pitcher staff task force to handle Tampa Bay.

The Yankees decided to leave Judge off the ALDS roster as he continues to recover from a calf strain suffered late in the regular season. Stanton, Trent Grisham and Heliot Ramos among others were included on that list.

Stanton, who returned from his own injury during the Wild Card round, will remain in the lineup as New York looks to advance past the Rays. He figures to serve as a primary focal point in the order, while contributors like Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice will be called upon to help fill the void left by the captain’s absence.

While Rays manager Kevin Cash appeared unfazed by Judge’s status earlier in the week, the official confirmation of his absence underscores a critical test for the Yankees, proving they remain a potent threat even without their centerpiece.

Yankees’ potential options to fill the void left by Judge

With Judge sidelined (following an earlier stretch missed due to a rib injury), the Yankees must retool their lineup on the fly. To replace his production in right field and at designated hitter, New York will lean heavily on its existing roster depth.

With Bellinger, Rice, and Trent Grisham coming off strong regular-season campaigns, all three appear primed for the challenge heading into Saturday’s series opener. Meanwhile, Heliot Ramos is another option expected to see increased plate appearances with Judge out of the mix.

Top prospect Spencer Jones could also step into an expanded role. While his regular-season statistics were modest, a timely postseason breakthrough could deliver the exact offensive spark the Yankees need.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge is off the ALDS roster recovering from calf strain.
• Giancarlo Stanton remains in the lineup as the Yankees look to advance past Tampa.
• Saturday’s series opener will feature Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice, and Trent Grisham.

“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.

“Gerrit’s lined up for that. Carlos is very much in play for that. We have a ton of confidence in both guys,” Boone told reporters following New York’s Wild Card round victory over the Boston Red Sox.

With Game 1 set for October 3, Boone is taking extra time to evaluate the ideal matchup against Tampa Bay. While both starters turned in strong regular-season campaigns, their contrasting pitch profiles offer distinct advantages against the Rays‘ lineup.

As Boone finalizes his game plan, he also addressed captain Aaron Judge’s status, clarifying why the superstar outfielder skipped pregame player introductions at Yankee Stadium while leaving his ALDS availability against Tampa Bay in question.

Who gets the ball for Game 1 against the Rays?

Rodon makes a compelling case based on recent form, having closed out the regular season with a dominant 1.42 ERA across his final September outings—headlined by an eight-inning, three-hit shutout against Tampa Bay on September 22.

Beyond his hot hand down the stretch, his left-handed arsenal provides a tactical advantage against a Rays lineup heavily reliant on left-handed run producers, neutralizing key bats that drive Tampa Bay’s run production.

Conversely, the case for Cole rests on his status as the team’s undisputed ace, backed by extensive big-stage credentials and a career 2.77 ERA across 22 postseason starts. While Cole proved prone to the long ball late in the year, his track record in high-leverage October settings gives the coaching staff full confidence in his ability to anchor the rotation.

Projected Yankees lineup for ALDS Game 1 vs. Rays

While the Game 1 starter remains a toss-up between Rodon and Cole, Boone’s everyday batting order is beginning to take shape ahead of a pivotal series opener.

Here is the Yankees‘ projected lineup for Game 1 against the Rays:

• Trent Grisham — CF (L)
• Paul Goldschmidt — RF (R)
• Cody Bellinger — LF (L)
• Ben Rice — 1B (L)
• Giancarlo Stanton — DH (R)
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. — 2B (L)
• Austin Wells — C (L)
• Ryan McMahon — 3B (L)
• Jose Caballero / Anthony Volpe — SS (R)

Starting pitcher: Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodon

Key takeaways

• Aaron Boone has yet to announce New York’s ALDS Game 1 starting pitcher.
• The series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays is scheduled for October 3.
• Carlos Rodon posted a 1.42 ERA across his final September regular-season outings.

“We’re inspired by the Knicks. We’ve got to keep the winning going in New York,” Judge told reporters while celebrating with teammates following their Game 2 victory over the Red Sox.

With the Wild Card round behind them, attention turns to Judge’s availability for the clash with Tampa Bay. Questions lingered after the team captain wasn’t introduced during pregame intros at Yankee Stadium, but manager Aaron Boone cleared the air and explained the reasoning behind the decision.

On the offensive front, the Yankees welcomed Giancarlo Stanton back to the roster, though he has yet to make an appearance in the postseason following a lengthy IL stint. If fully healthy alongside Judge, Stanton’s presence gives New York the firepower needed to take down a formidable division rival in the Rays.

Aaron Judge’s potential return timeline vs. Rays

Uncertainty continues to surround Judge’s status ahead of the ALDS. Now entering his second week of recovery from a calf strain, medical specialists and MLB insiders suggest that a full recovery from this type of injury typically requires a three-week timeline.

Unlike earlier in the season—when he skipped a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A while returning from a rib injury that sidelined him for 100 days—Judge opted to take live reps with Double-A Somerset prior to making his postseason return.

How he responds to those rehab reps will dictate the Yankees’ official timeline. While the team remains hopeful he can suit up at some point during the ALDS against the Rays, he must first be activated to the 26-man roster before game action.

Yankees vs. Rays: ALDS schedule

Judge is slated to complete his three-week recovery timeline just in time for Game 3 against the Rays. If he experiences any setbacks, the Yankees slugger remains on track to return mid-series during the ALDS. Here is New York’s schedule ahead of the upcoming clash with Tampa Bay:

• Game 1: Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL)
• Game 2: Monday, October 5, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 PM ET
  • Venue: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL)
• Game 3: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)
• Game 4 (if necessary): Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL)

Key takeaways

• The New York Yankees advanced to face Tampa Bay in the ALDS.
• Aaron Judge cited the Knicks as inspiration for keeping New York winning.
• Game 1 of the series begins Saturday, October 3.