Astros vs Yankees ALCS Preview: Can Justin Verlander bounce back?

The Houston Astros waited a couple of days to see who they would be facing in the ALCS after sweeping the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS. The New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians in five games which means the ALCS will consist of the Astros and Yankees for the third time in the last couple of years. The last time these teams faced off in the ALCS, Jose Altuve took Aroldis Chapman deep to walk it off to send Houston to the World Series.

The Astros went 5-2 against the Yankees this season, which includes the combined no-hitter from Framber Valdez, Hector Neris, and Ryan Pressly.

Houston has success against New York in the playoffs, as they faced each other in the 2017 and 2019 ALCS. The Astros beat the Yankees in seven in 2017 and then beat them in six in 2019. That doesn’t matter now though, New York wants revenge, and now is the perfect time to get it, especially with Aaron Judge becoming a free agent this upcoming offseason.

With no confirmed starting pitching matchups besides game 1, let’s take a look at the possible pitching matchups for the ALCS.

When do the Astros and Yankees play in the ALCS?

Game 1: Wednesday, 6:37 PM CST (7:37 ET) TBS (at Minute Maid park)

Justin Verlander (HOU) vs Jameson Taillon (NYY)

Game 2: Thursday, 6:37 PM CST (7:37 ET) TBS (at Minute Maid Park)

Framber Valdez (HOU) vs Luis Severino (NYY)

Game 3: Saturday, 4:07 PM CST (5:07 ET) TBS (at Yankee Stadium)

Lance McCullers Jr. (HOU) vs Gerritt Cole (NYY)

Game 4: Sunday, 6:07 PM CST (7:07 ET) TBS (at Yankee Stadium)

Luis Garcia (HOU) vs Nestor Cortes (NYY)

Game 5 (If Necessary): Monday, 3:07 PM CST (4:07 ET) TBS (at Yankee Stadium)

Justin Verlander (HOU) vs Frankie Montas (NYY)

Game 6 (If Necessary): Tuesday, 5:07 PM CST (6:07 ET) (at Minute Maid Park)

Framber Valdez (HOU) vs Gerritt Cole (NYY)

Game 7 (If Necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6:37 PM CST (7:37 ET) (at Minute Maid Park)

Lance McCullers Jr. (HOU) vs Luis Severino (NYY)

These matchups can obviously change due to game situations if a team ends up facing elimination. My two players to watch for this series are both aces on each team, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Verlander was horrible in his start in game 1 of the ALDS but he has the talent to turn things around and be lights out this series. As for Cole, he made two starts in the ALDS and looked great helping the Yankees advance to the ALCS.