Gerrit Cole lost Game 1 by throwing one regrettable pitch, a 2-2 changeup Jonathan Aranda deposited deep into the right field bleachers. But Cole threw a solid game (five innings of one-run ball) in the 1-0 defeat to the Rays, and there’s no reason to second-guess manager Aaron Boone’s call to start him over the red-hot Carlos Rodón. 

And it was Boone’s call, which is generally a great thing. 

Boone called the decision a “toss-up.” But notably, he tossed aside the opinions of some other folks, even some organization suits, who preferred Rodón. 

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole reacts after ending the fourth inning during Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Saturday, October 3, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg for New York Post

Boone opted for Cole’s Cooperstown-worthy history and especially his postseason history (2.77 October ERA going in) over recent results. Rodón has a 1.89 ERA and an MLB-best .146 BAA since his return, and he shut out the Rays over eight innings less than two weeks ago while Cole allowed nine homers in his past four starts.