Cole, who didn't make his first appearance until June 19 because of elbow inflammation, went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts. He was particularly sharp in his last two outings, allowing one run, four hits and two walks in 15 2/3 innings in which he struck out 12.

The state of the Yankees, some key matchups, and Royals Bobby Witt Jr.'s take on two Yankees captains as the best-of-five series gets underway.

The New York Yankees announced their 26-man roster against the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series hours before Game 1 on Saturday. Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA) will face Royals righty Michael Wacha (13-8,