ALCS stories to keep an eye on

The Yankees and Astros are set to square off in what looks like a classic ALCS, with the teams combining for 210 wins during the regular season. Here are the stories to watch for as we enter the series.

Yankees starting rotation issues

The Yankees survived their starting rotation problems during the regular season, but they remain a concern in the playoffs. The return of Luis Severino from his shoulder injury has helped, but he's likely limited in how far he can go in games. James Paxton had a disappointing ALDS start, and Masahiro Tanaka has been inconsistent this season. Determining the team's fourth starter could also be an issue, as lefties J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia struggled during the regular season, with Sabathia not even being healthy enough to be on the ALDS roster (although he is expected to be available for the ALCS).

Astros big three

Houston has three potential Hall of Fame pitchers leading its rotation in AL Cy Young candidates Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, along with in-season acquisition Zack Greinke. The three starters give Houston a decided starting pitcher advantage in the ALCS.

Can Gleyber Torres continue his tear?

Torres had a terrific regular season with 38 home runs, and it continued into the ALDS. The 22-year-old infielder went 5-for-12 with three doubles and one home run over the three-game series. The task will be tougher against Houston's pitching staff.

Jose Altuve's hot streak

Altuve had a career-high 31 home runs during the regular season and was Houston's offensive hero during the ALDS. The diminutive second baseman went 7-for-20 with three home runs in five games and could have plenty more opportunities to hit the long ball at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees big boppers gaining steam

Despite sweeping the Twins, some of the Yankees hitters didn't do much during the ALDS. The team didn't get any long balls out of Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez or Edwin Encarnacion during the short series. Any one of those stars has the potential to carry the team on his back.

Houston's fourth starter

The Astros used Justin Verlander in Game 4 of the ALDS to avoid the fourth starter predicament, but they probably won't have that option during the ALCS. Wade Miley had a good regular season with a sub-4.00 ERA, but he's struggled late in the year. Jose Urquidy pitched well late in the year but is inexperienced. The Astros will likely make a call on one of those two starters to pitch Game 4.

Battle of the bullpens

The Yankees have built their bullpen for the playoffs, and it's an excellent complement for a starting rotation that probably won't go deep into games. Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton each has closing experience, while Adam Ottavino and Chad Green are dominant strikeout pitchers.

Houston has its own terrific pen, led by closer Roberto Osuna, Will Harris, and Ryan Pressly. The Astros pen had a 3.75 ERA during the regular season, while New York's was 4.08, albeit in a much more hitter-friendly home ballpark.

Can Carlos Correa get going?

Correa is one of the game's top shortstops when he's going well, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy over the last three seasons. He played only 75 games during the regular season and had a back issue late in the year. With the recent injury, it wasn't a surprise that he struggled in the ALDS, going just 3-for-19 with one double. If Correa is able to provide more on offense for the Astros, it would certainly help push them to the World Series.