American League Wild Card Game: New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics

The 2018 New York Yankees opened the season with championship hopes. Seven months and 162 games later, the real season begins. After a mostly successful 100-win season, the Yankees still find themselves in the familiar position of an AL Wild Card. This is the third time in four years where the Yankees will host the do-or-die Wild Card Game. Let’s hope this one goes a little easier than the last two.

Much was made about who would start the one-game playoff for the Yankees, but Aaron Boone seems to have made the safe choice by going with his staff ace, Luis Severino. Severino finished the year 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA, and got his mojo back down the stretch. The Yankees only need five quality innings out of Severino, and he will likely be pulled at the first sign of trouble. He’ll be looking for some big-game redemption after things didn’t go his way in the 2017 playoffs.

The best part of the 2018 Oakland Athletics, aside from their offensive power, is their deep and versatile bullpen. In that respect, manager Bob Melvin made a trendy choice to go with a bullpen game in the Athletics’ most important game in several years. Liam Hendriks will “open” the game, and I’d expect to see all of Oakland’s top relievers follow in some order, including Blake Treinen, Jeurys Familia, Lou Trivino, Shawn Kelley, and Fernando Rodney. This is Hendriks’ ninth time “opening” a game, which included a perfect inning against the Yankees in September.

Lineups:

How to watch:

Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

First pitch: 8:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

TV broadcast: TBS

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280

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