The Yankees visit the surprising Royals with Carlos Rodon taking out Seth Lugo. They got the 70s backwards, as the Yankees usually faced the Dodgers in the World Series after they faced the Royals in the ALCS. Rodon comes into the game with a 3.08 ERA. After a rough 2023 with injuries and poor performances, Rodon cut down on his walks and home runs allowed to lower his ERA and earn an 8-2 record. Lugo is both a run lower in ERA and a win better. Lugo stands 17-8 with a 3.04 ERA since becoming a full-time starter in 2023.

The Blue Jays send Jose Berrios against the equally surprising Brewers and Colin Rea. Berrios greatly helps his ERA by removing runners with double plays. He induced 11 GDPs in 32 opportunities. Rea’s 3.53 ERA would be the lowest single season mark of his career. He’s done a good job of limiting long hits with men on base.