Yankees announce pitching rotation for ALDS vs. Indians

Luis Severino will not take the mound at Progressive Field against the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS. In fact, it's possible that he doesn't take the mound again this season.

On Wednesday night, the Yankees announced that right-hander Sonny Gray (4-7, 3.72), veteran southpaw CC Sabathia (14-5, 3.69), and Masahiro Tanaka (13-12, 4.74) will start Games 1, 2, and 3, respectively, against the defending American League champions. Opposing Gray will be Indians' righty Trevor Bauer (17-9, 4.19), while Sabathia will face AL Cy Young candidate Corey Kluber (18-4, 2.25). According to Indians' manager Terry Francona, righty Carlos Carrasco (18-6, 3.29) will oppose Tanaka in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night.

Yankees' manager Joe Girardi said that Severino (14-6, 2.98) will start Game 4 in The Bronx, if neccesary. The 23-year-old was New York's undisputed ace until Tuesday night, when he allowed three runs, four hits, and a walk in just one-third inning of work against the Minnesota Twins in the AL Wild Card game. 

Gray, who was dealt by the Oakland Athletics in a blockbuster deal this July, made his Yankee debut at Progressive Field back on Aug. 3. In six innings, the 27-year-old allowed four runs (two earned), four hits, and three walks while also striking out six in a losing effort. 

"From the moment I stepped foot in the clubhouse it was something I was hoping to do,’’ Gray said of starting a game of this magnitude to the New York Post. “It was something I was hoping to — that we would eventually get into the postseason and play an important role in the postseason. I got that vibe right away, my first day in New York. Now we are here and ready to go.

“[The Indians] have a really balanced lineup, top to bottom. You come out and make pitches and see what happens. Right now we are playing as good as we have played since I have been here. We are ready for any type of challenge that anyone can bring to us. If we can stay within ourselves and do what we do really well we feel like we can play with anyone.’’

If you want to connect with Tom Hanslin, email him at thanslin@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @tomhanslin.