The unexpected sometimes occurs in the postseason such as a slumping player like Alex Verdugo delivering big plays for the Yankees on Saturday night against the Royals.

The series opener included five lead changes — the most in postseason history — but the Yankees secured the final momentum swing from a surprising place.

The final New York Yankees player introduced during the pregame ceremonies of the club’s first postseason game was Alex Verdugo. Verdugo batted last and was manager Aaron Boone’s pick to start in left field for Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

Underdogs have ruled the postseason so far, but today we’ll be betting on some favorites.   Let’s back them big.  We’ll root for the underdogs another day.  All

Back when the season began, did you forecast an American League Division Series round that included the New York Yankees (plausible) and three AL Central teams, none of which are the Minnesota Twins (are you kidding)?

I’ll never forget it as long as I live,” George Brett said of the storied rivalry as the Royals were to begin a 2024 ALDS in New York.

This isn’t a series, this is war,’ Royals legend George Brett says as a once-bitter rivalry is renewed between the wild-card Royals and AL-best Yankees

The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals will begin their best-of-five American League Division Series Saturday night. The winner of this series will advance to the league championship round, where they'll take on either the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers for the rights to both the AL pennant and a spot in the World Series.