The Yankees are not facing elimination in Game 2 on Monday, but Derek Jeter warned the team cannot look at it that way.

“It’s a must-win [game],” Jeter boldly asserted during Fox Sports’ postgame coverage after the Yankees’ 1-0 loss in Game 1 of the ALDS to the Rays Saturday night.

The Yanks were shut down by Rays ace Drew Rasmussen, who tossed eight shutout innings, struck out 10 batters and allowed just one hit, a double to catcher Austin Wells, who was thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple.

New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) looks on during batting practice prior to game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, Saturday, October 3, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With likely American League Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler slated to start Game 2, the Yankees legend said the club must capitalize on the matchup.

“That’s the approach you have to have,” Jeter added. “You have Schlittler on the mound — you must win that game.

“Tampa has been the best team in the American League all year, they are tough to beat, especially in that stadium. You cannot go down 0-2, I don’t care if you’re back to New York or not, and expect to win three [in a row].”

New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells was tagged out at third base trying to stretch a double into a triple to end the eighth inning of Game 1 of the ALDS. Charles Wenzelberg for New York Post

After dominating the Red Sox across two games of the Wild Card series, the Yankees’ offense could not muster much in Game 1.

Gerrit Cole allowed only a solo home run to Jonathan Aranda across five solid frames, which was not enough on a night where the offense was lifeless — and later compounded by Wells’ baserunning blunder.

“That Wellsie mistake, is that the reason they lost? Probably not,” Alex Rodriguez said during the postgame show.

“But when you look at the first six months, it’s a dress rehearsal for October…If you’re not accountable April through September, these mistakes are not a surprise.”

The Yankees are set to face former Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta, who was acquired by the Rays at the trade deadline in Game 2.