How will Yankees' ALDS rotation break down?

How will Yankees' ALDS rotation break down?

Cam Schlittler

Schlittler is all but the AL Cy Young award winner and is coming off a fantastic outing in the wild card. Going forward, Schlittler can be in line for either Game 2 or 3 in the ALDS. 

The reasons for Game 2 are that you'd be getting your best pitcher out there on six days' rest and Schlittler does pitch better on the road. 

The reason for Game 3 is that Schlittler did throw a career-high 117 pitches on Tuesday and extra rest may benefit him. 

From the cautious side, you want Schlittler at his healthiest and also his sharpest. This is the most innings Schlittler has ever thrown at 200 (193.2 regular season, 6.1 postseason) and he's coming off a career-high day. 

On the other side, Schlittler has been outstanding on the road with a 1.16 ERA. He's made two starts this year in Tampa, going a combined 13 innings and allowing four runs. 

Either way, Schlittler will have at least five days off and will be ready for either Game 2 or 3. 

Max Fried

The wild card Game 2 starter, Fried pitched six solid innings, allowing one run Wednesday. The earliest he could be ready this round is Game 3 after five days rest. 

If the Yankees opt for Schlittler in Game 2, Fried would be the starter in Game 3 back in the Bronx. But if Schlittler gets the rest and starts Game 3, Fried would see action in the potential Game 4. 

Whenever Fried takes the mound, he needs to be at his sharpest, as the Rays have done well this year off the lefty. In two starts, Tampa has scored seven runs off Fried across 13 innings. 

Despite the rough patch this year, Fried has historically pitched well against Tampa. In seven career starts, Fried holds a 1.81 ERA against the Rays.

Carlos Rodon

Over the last week, it's felt like Rodon has been the one man left out. Schlittler and Fried both pitched the wild-card game and are scheduled to follow behind Cole in Game 1, and Will Warren even made an appearance. 

Of the Yankee pitchers finishing the season, Rodon was the hottest arm. Over his final eight outings, Rodon went 5-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.

His final regular-season outing came against the Rays. At home on Sept. 22, Rodon pitched eight scoreless innings of three-hit baseball. 

Rodon has made a strong case to be the Game 2 pitcher, especially considering his arm is fresh with 10 days and counting of rest. Despite this, due to how the schedule falls, he may not see action until a potential Game 4. 

The Yankees have a plethora of arms to use against a divisional opponent, all with strong experience to help move past the Rays and on to the Championship Series.